Golfinsider

Many corporate event golfers are absolutely amazing. Well, amazing in the sense that they probably play less than a half dozen times a year, yet they expect their corporate golf performance to equal or even transcend their success in the boardroom.
If you happen to fall into this category, know somebody who does and can use a few tips, or you simply want to not embarrass yourself at the next corporate golf event, here are 5 simple ways to enhance your performance level:

• Understand the format. When you receive the invitation for a corporate golf event, pay close attention to the format. For example, a Scramble is a format for a variety of skill levels from novice to near professional. A Best Ball format is typically used in which all golfers are fairly skilled. Also, be aware of the shotgun start, which is common at many corporate and charity tournaments. While the opening hole might appear to be an intimidating beast, chances are it won’t be the first hole you play.
• Get a course guide. If a course guide is not included in your goodie bag, make sure you get one. It’ll give you a hole-by-hole description and highlight where the most troublesome hazards are located. Knowing exact yardages to cross certain hazards will give you more confidence in executing difficult shots.
• Practice at the range and putting green. This is a no-brainer, but one of the biggest mistakes many corporate golfers make is either not going to the practice range or spending limited time there. Spending too much time at the pre-round breakfast or socializing are a couple of reasons golfers eschew the range or putting green. Big mistake. Simply put, golf muscles work on memory and if you don’t refresh that memory before a round, you’re asking for trouble. If nothing else, at least stretch and get your muscles limber.
• Make good, thoughtful club selections. The next time you’re at a corporate golf event take special note of the number of times other golfers fall short on their approach shots. Time and time again, amateur golfers don’t use enough club. As a general rule, you should use one more club than you think you need.
• Don’t try to be a hero. Absolutely don’t try to hit shots you never practice such as 60-degree lob shots, monster drives and 250-yard fairway wood shots over swamp and water. The risk/reward quotient is simply not in your favor. If you must gamble, try sinking a long putt instead of a safe lag. It's the best and easiest way to help your team. There’s not a better feeling in golf than seeing your ball safely on the green while your partner takes the cart to chase down his errant shot.