An analysis of golf's impact on client acquisition, team building, and wellness suggest that in today's modern mindset, spending more time outside of the office in nature while still building client relations is what the modern employee craves.
Playing golf offers a unique opportunity to step away from daily stress. In a serene setting surrounded by nature, participants can focus on getting to know each other better and forming bonds without the distractions of the work environment. Beyond recreation, golf creates unique value:
4+ hours of uninterrupted client relationship building
Authentic Environment
Relaxed atmosphere reveals character and builds trust.
Accountability and Integrity
Golf fosters a sense of personal responsibility, as players are accountable for their own shots and scores. The emphasis on integrity and fair play reinforces ethical conduct, both on and off the course.
Self-Esteem and Confidence
Physical and mental health benefits as well as building confidence that transcends on the 19th hole. Achieving personal goals on the course, like improving a handicap or mastering a shot, can boost self-confidence and self-efficacy.
80% of CEOs have closed deals on the golf course
Creates level playing field across hierarchy
Differentiates compensation packages
Associates company with prestige and integrity
Source: Syracuse MBA
Lockdowns, social distancing, and gym closures drove demand for safe ways to exercise and socialize
Outdoor activities were viewed as lower-risk, fueling a new appreciation for open spaces
Consumer behavior shifted toward activities that minimized viral transmission risks
Golf was uniquely positioned to thrive during this shift:
- Social Distancing → 18-hole courses span 100+ acres, naturally allowing safe spacing
- Outdoor Environment → Perceived as safer than gyms or indoor sports
- Adaptability → Courses quickly adjusted with touch-free solutions (single-rider carts, inverted cups, removed rakes)
COVID-19 fundamentally changed how we think about wellness and work. Golf participation witnessed significant growth across various segments, including an all-time high in female participation and a large draw to off-course venues like Topgolf.
Lockdowns drove demand for safe outdoor activities, with golf uniquely positioned as a socially distanced sport spanning 100+ acres.
Growth brought 2.3 million new female golfers and 6.8 million players aged 18-34, aligning with workforce demographics companies want to engage.
Source: NGF (National Golf Foundation)
Highest participation since 2008
An all-time high
At venues like Topgolf/simulators in 2023
Since 2019
Since 2019
Now the largest on-course group
of off-course players
of off-course players
Source: NGF (National Golf Foundation)
50% of executive women who play golf say being able to talk about golf allows them to be more successful.
Source: 2025 report cited by Forbes noted that 90% of Fortune 500 CEOs play golf.
Golf naturally creates an environment where hierarchy fades, allowing everyone to connect on equal terms and fostering authentic connections.
"A misconception is that a lot of hard selling goes on on the golf course and that's not accurate," Gray said. "It's developing the relationship and understanding who a person is and getting to know them."
A golf program demonstrates employee appreciation, leading to stronger bonds and a more positive company culture.
Source: Money Watch / CBS News
Gen Z and Millennials are seeking comprehensive wellness solutions that go beyond traditional offerings. They prioritize:
A focus on sustainable well-being to avoid professional exhaustion.
Engaging in activities that actively calm the mind and body.
Moments to disconnect from screens and reconnect with their surroundings.
Opportunities to spend time in nature and benefit from its restorative effects.
Leveraging technology to enhance personal wellness journeys.
Source: Deloitte Survey (2024)
Focus required for each shot promotes calm and mental clarity
Challenges on course build patience and adaptability
Group setting builds camaraderie and community
10,000+ steps & 800-1,400 calories burned per round
Stress reduction in natural environment
Improved cognitive function & strategic thinking
Social connection & relationship building
68% of Gen Z regularly visit entertainment venues like Topgolf
51% cite mental health as primary motivation for traditional golf
76% of Gen Z express interest in playing solo rounds
Perception of golf as exclusive, expensive, and time-consuming
Lightspeed 2025 (Golf Industry Trends 2025: Golf Habits Across Generations)
for every $1 invested in their wellness programs
Report positive ROI on wellness programs
In mortality rates for regular golfers
- Sponsorship revenue: If your program includes a company-hosted tournament or clinic, your organization can generate revenue from ticket sales and sponsorships.
- Revenue from new business: An astonishing 80% of CEOs report conducting or closing deals on the golf course, and 90% of executives view golf with a business associate as a way to establish closer relationships.
- Brand awareness: Corporate golf events offer a valuable platform to increase brand visibility. This can be quantified by tracking brand mentions on social media and in the press before and after events.
- Qualified leads: Events, especially golf clinics, allow your company to engage with more people at once to generate leads. Tracking the conversion of these leads to customers provides a clear ROI.
Source: 2024 Wellhub report and Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science and EventPipe Jeff Porter 2024
Beyond direct financial metrics, investing in golf programs yields substantial indirect benefits by addressing key drivers of employee turnover and fostering a more engaged, productive workforce:
addresses lack of promotional opportunities through informal networks and mentorship
reductions in recruitment, hiring, and training expenses due to reduced turnover
correlates with improved business performance, innovation, and workforce satisfaction
skills gained on the course translate directly into workplace productivity and decision-making
These "soft" benefits of confidence, community, and belonging directly link to "hard" benefits, impacting the bottom line through reduced costs and enhanced performance.
The business case for investing in women's professional development
Professional benefits of golf for women's career advancement with record high interest
Attractive packages to attract the younger professionals
Data-driven ROI analysis of golf initiatives
Connect with More Pars to customize your program
female on-course golfing population reached a record high
The female on-course golfing population reached a record high of nearly 8 million in 2024, a net gain of 2.3 million since 2019. Women now make up 28% of all on-course golfers, the highest percentage on record.
The recent surge in new female and young adult golfers presents a significant opportunity for companies to engage with key workforce demographics. Younger generations, particularly Gen Z, and women are increasingly looking for workplaces that align with their values and offer appealing work-life balance and social opportunities. By incorporating golf-related activities into their corporate engagement strategies, companies can more effectively attract, retain, and build relationships with this growing segment of the talent pool.
Source: NGF (National Golf Foundation)
Professionals agree that playing golf with a business associate is an excellent way to establish a closer relationship.
Non-golfing professionals report feeling left out of crucial business opportunities.
According to Wellesley Center for Women's report: “Good women golfers have opportunities and confidence to play with men and that is an empowering feeling. If you’re a golf equal, it seems you get respect.”
Golf can provide face time with potential partners which might not be available otherwise.
When traveling golf can be a way to engage with prospects or business contacts outside of a formal conference center settings.
More than half reported they would be more interested in playing golf if it was less time consuming or if their golf game was better.
Source: Wellesley Center for Women's report
50% of Fortune 500 female CEOs who play golf believe it helped them leverage their careers
According to Forbes, 50% of executive women who play golf say that being able to talk about golf helps them be more successful.
Golf requires planning, risk assessment, and decision-making under pressure—directly transferable to leadership roles
Players learn to navigate challenges and setbacks, building mental toughness essential for executive positions
Learning to "own your shot" on the course translates to "owning your spot" in the boardroom
The extended format creates opportunities for genuine connections that can't be replicated in other settings
Simply providing a program is insufficient; a corporation must actively cultivate a supportive culture both on and off the course:
Replace terms like "ladies' tees" with gender-neutral, skill-based terminology. Example, the modern term is "forward tees".
Encourage male colleagues to invite female counterparts to play and hold others accountable for exclusive behavior.
Collaborate with organizations like the LPGA, WOMEN's GOLF, or WomenOnCourse to access infrastructure and networks
Return in Media Value
From Epson's LPGA Partnership
Source: SponsorUnited’s exclusive LPGA Marketing Partnerships Report
Making the sport enjoyable and easy to pick up for everyone.
Making the game less intimidating
Building a supportive camaraderie spirit
Tailored guidance for all participants
Christina Ricci's "More Pars" platform uniquely addresses these needs:
PGA & LPGA Professional with a proven, relatable journey
Comprehensive system: in-person camps, streaming service, remote coaching
Makes golf fun, inclusive, and accessible
Corporate advantage:
Attract & retain top talent
Foster engagement, resilience, and social connection
Stand out with innovative, flexible wellness offerings
Women, Gen Z and millennial priorities for holistic wellbeing
Foster community, reduce stress, build meaningful connections
Transform golf from an intimidating business activity into an inclusive wellness benefit
Breaking beyond the four walls of a gym to create meaningful outdoor experiences that today's employees crave.
A powerful tool to attract top talent and demonstrate your commitment to their growth and wellbeing.
Creating the kind of loyalty and camaraderie that strengthens your culture and improves collaboration.
Today's workforce values experiences, connection, and well-being over traditional perks. A More Pars retreat delivers the transformative experiences that build lasting professional relationships and strengthen company culture.
- Alloy Employer, Why Gen Z Will Change How You Offer Benefits and Perks
- Consulting.us, Wellness Industry Growth Driven by Gen Z & Millennials
- Garage Gym Reviews, Survey on Generational Differences in Fitness
- Exercise.com, What Do Millennials Want in a Gym?
- Lightspeed HQ, Golf Industry Trends 2025: Habits Across Generations
- Gymdesk, 25 Fitness Industry Trends to Watch in 2025
- CABI Blog, Gen Z's Return to Nature: The Rise of Outdoor Activities
- Handshake, 6 Things Gen Z Wants From Their Next Job
- WodGuru, Top 7 Gen Z Gym Trends: Boost Memberships in 2025
- Green Valley Ranch Golf Club, Corporate Memberships
- Bishop House Consulting, What Golfing and Performance Feedback Have in Common
- Troon, Corporate Tee Times & Rewards Program
- Deer Creek Golf Club, Millennials – A New Generation of Golfers
- Forbes, Topgolf Wins With Millennials While Golf Industry Reimagines Its Brand
- PGA.org, Christina Ricci – Member Profile
- MorePars.com, More Pars with Christina Ricci (Self-Guided Courses, Coaching, Swing Reviews, Camps)
- Kentucky Golf Association, Benefits of a Corporate Golf Program
- Higginbotham, What Benefits Do Millennials Want?
- JC Golf, Team Building Outings at Executive Courses
- Konnect Golf, Golf and Team Building: A Supreme Combination
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0007681320300896
- Bishop House Consulting, What Golfing and Performance Feedback Have in Common
- Troon, Corporate Tee Times & Rewards Program
- Deer Creek Golf Club, Millennials – A New Generation of Golfers
- Forbes, Topgolf Wins With Millennials While Golf Industry Reimagines Its Brand
- PGA.org, Christina Ricci – Member Profile
- MorePars.com, More Pars with Christina Ricci (Self-Guided Courses, Coaching, Swing Reviews, Camps)
- Kentucky Golf Association, Benefits of a Corporate Golf Program
- Higginbotham, What Benefits Do Millennials Want?
- JC Golf, Team Building Outings at Executive Courses
- Konnect Golf, Golf and Team Building: A Supreme Combination
Give them Experiences - not just a
gym passToday's workforce craves meaningful connection beyond traditional corporate perks. Our curated golf retreats deliver unforgettable experiences that resonate with younger generations while building lasting team bonds and elevating your company culture.