What to do?, politely decline or play? Options

[kentutz]

I didn't know you felt so strongly about it. I will find another lad for next week.. and don't bother coming in for our department meeting next Tuesday!!

[Pepperturbo]

Those aren't poignant words of wisdom, you're jumping all over this kid for no good reason. He never said these bosses were obnoxious or anything similar.

Sounds like you're just the sort of 'boss' who expects everyone under him to show the correct amount of obeisance, nevermind their own ethos or preferences.

OP, if you're not enjoying these outings then don't go, it's that simple. If you only want to play with people who take the game seriously for al it's etiquettes and traditions, then that's what you should do.

You just have to weigh up the pros and cons of brown-nosing (business networking) versus your own standards.

I have more respect for the man who stands on his own two feet than the guy who goes just because he thinks he has to

I did not jump all over him. You seemed to have overlooked numerous career issues that are associated with being an employee that's hoping to get ahead in life. I asked a poignant question about what his bosses would do if they read this thread. Seems that was conveniently ignored. Your attitude is obviously by your choice of words "brown-nosing". As for the value of having your respect, let me there is none...

[j2nielsen]

1000000% play with them. I'm speaking from personal experience in the corporate world:

1) This economy sucks - They will be less willing to fire one of their buddies as opposed to some joe schmo
2) Opportunity - One of these times they will invite you out and there will be clients involved. If you can establish a rapport with a client on the golf course it will make your job that much easier when you get back to the office.
3) $$$ - If you are that good then you should be able to take some money off these hacks. Set up some friendly games like WOLF or something like that. Give them strokes etc. Who cares, it will be fun to take some cash from them, but do it in a nice way.
4) Out of the office - If you can get out of the office to play golf then DO IT!

I never turn down an opportunity in life. You never know where things can go, whether its good or bad who cares. At least you gave it a shot and figured out something for yourself as opposed to letting life dictate your choices.

+1 - learn to deal with it, have fun. It is work golf - but at least it is golf!

[Ruleschamp]

Let's take an analytical look at this situation, and the potential impact on your ability to provide for yourself and your family in the next 30 years:

1. A 23 year old "6" handicap who wants to play to his potential. Chances of supporting yourself and/or your family over the next 30 years through golf? ZERO, ZILCH, NADA.

2. A 23 year old "6" handicap has a chance to develop camaraderie with his boss and co-workers, which could result in more favorable treatment now in terms of advancement over peers, salary expansion, bonus, career enhancement. As these guys get older and advance within the company and/or go to other companies, they provide you with potential connections for the rest of your life that may ensure you stay employed, grow in your career, achieve your career goals and take care of both yourself and your family financially.

Hmmmmmmmmmm. Difficult decision here from an analytical standpoint.
At 23, you should be applauded for posing the question, but at the same time you have a lot to learn about corporate America if you don't already know the answer. Suck it up and learn how to play business golf now.

I won't name the bank, but years ago when I was recruited into the training program of one of the largest banks in the US, I soared up the fast track compared to others in my recruiting class (about 50 of us) largely because I was a good golfer and the executives always included me in trips to play golf with a well known NFL hall of fame quarterback who was on our board of directors. In addition, they would always include me in the pro-am at the Nelson, Colonial and the old Houston Open. Later on, I decided corporate America wasn't for me and I started my own business, but those early exposures gave me connections and $$$$$ that I would otherwise not have.

This post has been edited by Ruleschamp: Jun 11 2009, 06:26 PM

[lo-down]

ok guys...I do understand the situation here...and I do appreciate all of the feedback and suggestions...I'm definitely going to play with these guys and I look forward to making the most out of the situation...

I know that I have ZERO potential in golf as a future...as I mentioned earlier...I guess I was just frustrated from yesterday, and ranted on here...my apologies...

Thanks again for the answers...I guess me not being used to this sort of "corporate world", with this being my first main job, leaves me with a lot to learn...

This post has been edited by lo-down: Jun 11 2009, 07:14 PM

[Ruleschamp]

Lo-down -- I didn't mean it that way. You're obviously a very good golfer, love the game, and enjoy the challenge. That speaks volumes of what kind of person you are in developing all areas of your life. I was merely showing you the extremes. Best of luck!

[Ruleschamp]

By the way, the beauty is that you can learn to enjoy BOTH. You can play golf with your boss and co-workers, while also developing your individual game and competing in amateur tournaments on the side. I still play in a lot of business outings, while also competing in the state am, mid-am, etc........

[lo-down]

No worries Rules....thanks again for the advice

[skiz]

Let's take an analytical look at this situation, and the potential impact on your ability to provide for yourself and your family in the next 30 years:

1. A 23 year old "6" handicap who wants to play to his potential. Chances of supporting yourself and/or your family over the next 30 years through golf? ZERO, ZILCH, NADA.

2. A 23 year old "6" handicap has a chance to develop camaraderie with his boss and co-workers, which could result in more favorable treatment now in terms of advancement over peers, salary expansion, bonus, career enhancement. As these guys get older and advance within the company and/or go to other companies, they provide you with potential connections for the rest of your life that may ensure you stay employed, grow in your career, achieve your career goals and take care of both yourself and your family financially.

Hmmmmmmmmmm. Difficult decision here from an analytical standpoint.
At 23, you should be applauded for posing the question, but at the same time you have a lot to learn about corporate America if you don't already know the answer. Suck it up and learn how to play business golf now.

I won't name the bank, but years ago when I was recruited into the training program of one of the largest banks in the US, I soared up the fast track compared to others in my recruiting class (about 50 of us) largely because I was a good golfer and the executives always included me in trips to play golf with a well known NFL hall of fame quarterback who was on our board of directors. In addition, they would always include me in the pro-am at the Nelson, Colonial and the old Houston Open. Later on, I decided corporate America wasn't for me and I started my own business, but those early exposures gave me connections and $$$$$ that I would otherwise not have.

^^^this^^^


just don't get cocky too fast and get lax at work. Remember why your'e being invited, it's because your'e a very good golfer. Promotions will be a given in the long run.

The skills you developed in golf are paying off for you big time right now. You seem to be in a better position then nepotism can give you since no-one can just say your'e the bosses kid.

Who wants to be a scratch golfer anyways, they're so miserable...lol

[heybrady]

PLAY! I echo most of the above comments when I say that any excuse to get out during the week with your bosses OK is something that should not be passed up. If they are asking you to play, the obviously enjoy your company (whether it is just to watch you golf or not). Enjoy the time, and show them you can be one of hte guys. Give your opinion. Dish out some BS. Showing your personality is a good thing. Don't just be a head down no talk robot who is intimidated by the higher-ups. That won't get you anywhere.

Good luck.