Success Is in the Finish: Business Lessons from Golf

A note to young leaders.

Beginnings are exciting but it’s in the finish where the money is made. Speaking to a professional golfer on the weekend. I’m not a golfer but I asked him: “What’s the one thing that amateur golfers can do that can have the greatest impact on their game?”

Here’s what he said: “Amateur golfers spend most of their time practising their drive. But a great putter will always beat a golfer with a great drive. So the best thing you can do to improve your game is to improve your putting.”

It turns out that golf clubs are used roughly as follows:

• Putter: 50%
• Wedges: 20%
• Driver: 20%
• 7 Iron: 5%
• The rest: 5%

In business, as in golf – put down the driver, pick up the putter and the wedges.

Don’t fall in love with the glamorous start. Focus on the skilful finish.