Why did golf lose the PR game?

[John Kavanaugh]

I just had an insurance agent in my office and when she left she said to me "Sure is a nice day out, I'll bet you will be golfing this afternoon."  I asked her why she thought just because I am a golfer that I would ignore work and take the day off everytime the sun is shining.  I wanted to know what it is about golfers that makes her think we are all lazy and have nothing else better to do.  I also told her how a long time ago an old contractor told me that it will hurt your credibility if people think you can golf at any proficient level.  She of course was speechless and explained how many insurance agents she knows golf all the time but then make it up by working nights.  I found her tone insulting and it made me wonder what happened to golf that has made it the dirty little secret it is and what could be done to change it.  I can't think of a worse hobby on a resume than "Avid Golfer".

[JESII]

...I can't think of a worse hobby on a resume than "Avid Golfer".

GCA YaBB God...

[George Pazin]

It's not about golf, it's about envy - which is reflected in virtually every facet of life.

[John Kavanaugh]

It's not about golf, it's about envy - which is reflected in virtually every facet of life.

When I stop to get gas on the way to the course and am wearing shorts, a yellow shirt and black socks with my loafers the looks I get are far from envious.

[Jim_Kennedy]

Jaka,
I've golfed with more insurance agents, contractors, bankers and doctors during 'normal' working hours than I have with any other groups, save retirees and teachers (summertime).

These guys should adapt the *three rivers rule (usually for affairs of the heart) to their golf outings.

* If you don't want to be seen doing something , cross three rivers before you do it.

[Bryan Izatt]

The stereotype (and not so far from the truth) of an "avid" golfer is someone who has disposable time and money.  Golf in Amerca evolved from the relatively idle rich back at the beginning of the 20th century.  It's basic human nature to be envious of people who appear to have time and money to do as they like.  And, to the uninitiated and unaddicted, it can look like a silly waste of time and money.

How can you change it?  You probably can't.  It continues to be an expensive pastime and it continues to take a lot of time to participate avidly.

[TEPaul]

If you're concerned about the things you've mentioned on this thread, John, what you should do is move east.  We don't have those problems around here. Matter of fact, around here the PR game is both fought and won ON the golf course, Pal.

[Adam Clayman]

I don't know about anyone else, but I find it difficult to believe you were insulted.

Perhpas the dymanic involved in her trying to suck up to you for your business is the fact that it is April and probably one of the first nice days were a golfer would be working out the kinks from the long winter.

[John Kavanaugh]

Of course I wasn't insulted...I was curious why she had formed her sterotype of me.  I have not ever questioned her work ethic just because she is a woman so wanted to know why she questioned mine because I am a golfer.  I do dress for golf everyday all the time.

[Dan_Callahan]

I asked her why she thought just because I am a golfer that I would ignore work and take the day off everytime the sun is shining.

I'm not sure she is all that far off the mark. I don't try to skip out of work every time the sun is shining, but I certainly think about it. (And I'm not an insurance salesman.) Same is true when it's a powder day and the mountains beckon. I hope I never get so caught up in my job that I'm not willing to take a day here and there to slip out for some fun.

I must admit, however, that each summer when I manage to pull off a midday, midweek 18, I am shocked at how many people are on the course. Don't these people have jobs?!!

[John Kavanaugh]

I wear golf clothes to work and carry a second set in my car in case I need to get back to work unsweated.

[Mike Hendren]

When I stop to get gas on the way to the course and am wearing shorts, a yellow shirt and black socks with my loafers the looks I get are far from envious.

John, lose the socks.  The only people who wear black socks with shorts are North Americans who stop at alligator farms on their way to Panama City.

Not surprised you get some stares.  Hillbillies love a good gander at a dufus.

Mike

[Mike Benham]

When I stop to get gas on the way to the course and am wearing shorts, a yellow shirt and black socks with my loafers the looks I get are far from envious.

They don't need to see your black socks or your resume to know that you are an avid golfer ...

Just check out GHIN ...

[Sean Leary]

I am an insurance salesman and all I do is play golf and travel to play golf. I am the stereotype..

[John Kavanaugh]

When I stop to get gas on the way to the course and am wearing shorts, a yellow shirt and black socks with my loafers the looks I get are far from envious.

John, lose the socks.  The only people who wear black socks with shorts are North Americans who stop at alligator farms on their way to Panama City.

Not surprised you get some stares.  Hillbillies love a good gander at a dufus.

Mike

It creates a problem if I wait to put on my socks when I get to the club because of my "sock tan".  I'm talking about short golf socks but not the kind that only go to the shoe top as they always scooze down since I like my shoes loose.

[peter_p]

John,
Maybe she was talking about golfing after the normal close of business and wasn't shpwing any steroetype, justing knowing you were a golfer and being pleasant.

[Ken Moum]

You know, I don't think it's a coincidence that guys like John Harris and Jay Sigel were insurance agents.

K

[John Kavanaugh]

John,
Maybe she was talking about golfing after the normal close of business and wasn't shpwing any steroetype, justing knowing you were a golfer and being pleasant.

She was trying to be pleasent but in no she was talking about golf after 5:00 pm.  I'm usually well on my way to getting drunk that late in the day.

The point of this thead is to question if we should continue to allow people to sterotype golfers in the manner they are portrayed today or if we should try to change it.  I think I had a watershed moment today when I decided I would not be pushed around in front of my employees because of a hobby that I find enjoyable.  Just because a stereotype may be correct does not make it right.  I wonder how many of you have missed a promotion or lost a job because you are a golfer...Look around the site and you might be surprised.

[Craig Sweet]

John, you wouldn't last five seconds in Montana....goofing off is our official state past-time...of which we seem to have plenty of time for....

[Jim_Kennedy]

The point of this thead is to question if we should continue to allow people to sterotype golfers in the manner they are portrayed today or if we should try to change it.  I think I had a watershed moment today when I decided I would not be pushed around in front of my employees because of a hobby that I find enjoyable.  Just because a stereotype may be correct does not make it right.  I wonder how many of you have missed a promotion or lost a job because you are a golfer...Look around the site and you might be surprised - JakaB

Golfers as victims, what's next?

Where's Imus when you need him

[John Kavanaugh]

Golfers as victims, what's next?

I had just purchased from this agent a policy that protects me from someone telling an attractive woman that they like her dress so I don't see golfers needing protection as that far a stretch.  

Even our own MPCirba changed from his real name when posting because he did not want to have potential employers find him on this site through a search engine.  What was he afraid they might find and why should he be scared.  What are examples of other people being discriminated against because they are golfers?

[Tim Gavrich]

You know, I don't think it's a coincidence that guys like John Harris and Jay Sigel were insurance agents.

K

A couple of the better players at my home course here in CT are in the insurance business.  They're at the course at least four afternoons per week once the weather is nice.  It's a pretty nice deal.

[Paul Stephenson]

You may want to look at the flipside.  Where has being a good golfer helped?  I know having a bit of game never hurt a salesperson.  When I worked in computers, being a good golfer helped.

Was she being sarcastic?  An insurance agent calling out someone on golf is like the pot calling the kettle black.  Maybe she was looking for a game.

[John Kavanaugh]

She was just trying to be nice and make light conversation which may have been no different than if I had told her I liked her jacket.  It was at the end of a great meeting where I had saved a bunch of money and she had earned new premium.

note:  I have already had one request to go golfing today, damn it is nice out.

[John Kavanaugh]

  What are examples of other people being discriminated against because they are golfers?

I have to (1) go to Chesterton Indiana (2) to play Sand Creek because the client is a 2 or 3 handicap and I'm the only guy in our shop he'd want to play with.  Does that count?

I don't think playing is going to be as tough as going all ga ga about this guys home course.  Here is a snippet and the web site...I have never heard of the place but they and I am sure he are very proud of the place.  Yes Corporate golf is the worst which explains why the AGC now has fishing outings.

Sand Creek has developed a reputation for being the Premier Family Oriented Country Club in the Midwest. Our members enjoy a truly unique environment, where family traditions, camaraderie and lasting friendships are built amongst the scenic splendor of one of the country’s truly great clubs.  http://www.sandcreek.com/cc/