Golf Networking UK: The Complete Guide to Business Golf Networking
Golf networking is business networking that happens at a golf club, with time on the course built into every meeting. Instead of a rushed breakfast and a sixty second pitch, you spend a morning with other business owners, directors and professional advisers, then play golf in a fourball where real conversations happen.
Pro 5 Networking runs golf networking groups at golf clubs across England. Groups meet once a month, there is one seat per profession in each group, there is no joining fee and membership starts from £69 + VAT a month. This guide explains how golf networking works and how to find the right group for you.
What is golf networking?
Golf networking brings people in business together around a round of golf. The golf gives you time. Four hours walking a course with three other people is very different from forty seconds at a stand-up event, and it is that time that turns a contact into someone you trust enough to refer.
A golf networking group meets regularly with the same members, which is what separates it from a one-off corporate golf day. Relationships build month after month, so members get to know each other's businesses properly and can pass referrals with confidence.
How a Pro 5 golf networking meeting works
Members and visitors arrive at the golf club in the morning for breakfast and a structured business session. Everyone introduces their business, shares who they are looking to meet and passes referrals and introductions.
Afterwards members head out on the course in fourballs. Groupings are mixed so you spend time with different members each month. Golfers of every standard are welcome, including beginners, and the business session is the heart of the meeting whether you play or not.
Why golf works so well for business networking
People buy from people they know and trust. A round of golf shows you how someone handles a bad hole, how they talk about their clients and whether they are good company. That builds trust far faster than a business card swap.
Golf networking also attracts decision makers. Business owners, directors and senior advisers often skip weekly early morning clubs, but a monthly morning at a good golf club is something they will put in the diary and keep.
Because Pro 5 has one seat per profession, you are not competing with another accountant, solicitor or IFA in the same room. Every referral for your trade comes to you.
Golf networking vs BNI and other breakfast clubs
Weekly breakfast clubs such as BNI meet every week, often very early, and commonly ask for a joining fee and a twelve month commitment. That suits some people, but it is a big time cost for busy owners.
Pro 5 meets monthly, has no joining fee and no long tie-in, and you are free to join any other networking group you like. Golf is included in every meeting rather than being an occasional social extra.
Pro 5 vs Fore Business
Fore Business is another golf networking organisation. The main differences are commercial: Pro 5 has no joining fee, no three month lock in and no rule stopping you joining other networking groups. Both include golf, so the best way to decide is to visit a meeting and see which group suits you.
How much does golf networking cost?
Pro 5 membership starts from £69 + VAT a month with no joining fee. Green fees on the day depend on the venue and are shown on each group page. Visitors can attend a meeting before deciding to join.
Many members treat golf networking as part of their marketing budget. Speak to your accountant about how the costs are treated for your business.
Golf etiquette tips for networking
Keep the pace of play moving, be generous with putts in friendly formats and leave the hard sell in the car park. Ask about the other person's business before you talk about yours, and follow up within a couple of days with a useful introduction rather than a brochure.
If you are a beginner, tell your playing partners at the first tee. Everyone has been there, and it starts the conversation.
How to find a golf networking group near you
Pro 5 has golf networking groups across Yorkshire, the North West, the North East, the Midlands, the East of England and the South East. Use the golf networking directory to see every group by county, with venue, address and meeting day, or search by town on the networking near me page.
Pick the group closest to you, check the next meeting date and book a visit. If your profession's seat is free, you can apply to join after your visit.
Questions
What is golf networking?
Golf networking is business networking held at a golf club, combining a structured business session with time on the course. Pro 5 groups meet monthly so relationships and referrals build over time.
Where can I find golf networking near me?
Pro 5 runs golf networking groups at golf clubs across England. The golf networking directory lists every group by county with venue and meeting day.
Do I need to be good at golf?
No. Golfers of every standard are welcome, including beginners. The business session is the core of every meeting.
How much does Pro 5 golf networking cost?
Membership starts from £69 + VAT a month with no joining fee. Green fees depend on the venue.
Can I visit before joining?
Yes. Visitors can book a place at a meeting before deciding whether to join.
Can I join other networking groups as well?
Yes. Pro 5 has no rule stopping you joining other networking groups.