There are many leadership lessons one can take from golf.
Yes…
The primary lesson is how to control your anger, if you play golf like me.
However, great leaders understand that, like in golf, success cannot come from relying on only one tool. It’s about using the right one at the right time.
While posts like Ilone (2021) compare golf clubs to our personal leadership styles, I think it would be interesting to compare them to our team.
In golf, we don’t rely on one single club for every situation. Every club in our bag has a situation in which they excel, just like every member of our team.
One of the key aspects of being a leader, as discussed here, is the ability to effectively and efficiently manage your team. To do so, we need to understand our team’s strengths.
Let’s explore the leadership lessons from golf by matching each type of team member to the club that best represents their strengths.
1) The Driver – Your Power Player
The driver is built for power.
It’s designed to cover long distances and make a big impact, but it’s not always the most precise.
These are your big-picture thinkers; the employees who bring bold ideas, push boundaries, and drive momentum forward. They love tackling ambitious goals and aren’t afraid to take risks.
However, because of this style, they are not always the best choice when you need precision. Just like most of us wouldn’t break out the driver on a narrow fairway with hazards on both sides.
Best used for:
- Motivating others from their energy and enthusiasm
- Taking risks and embracing innovation
- Setting aggressive targets
- Creating vision
- Overcoming major obstacle
Leadership Lesson
Give them space to think big and shine, but ensure that you set guardrails to help keep them on track and out of the hazards. Help refine their approach so that their power translates into results.
With the right leadership these players can start driving greens.
2) The Hybrid – Your Utility Players
Hybrids combine elements of irons and woods, making them one of the most adaptable clubs in the bag.
These employees can step into different roles, fill gaps, and keep things running smoothly. They’re team players who bring balance and flexibility.
Best Used For:
- Keeping the team connected and together
- Bridging gaps between different roles or teams
- Stepping in where needed to fill a gap
- Balancing strategic thinking with hands-on experience
- Providing flexibility in changing environments
Leadership Lesson
Protect your Hybrids!
Just because they can do everything doesn’t mean they should. Make sure they have clear priorities. These team members are susceptible to burnout.
3) The Irons – Your Versatile Performers
The irons are the workhorses of the game.
They are capable handling a variety of shots with control and consistency.
Drivers and hybrids are not needed on every hole. However, an iron has its place on every hole on the course.
These employees are reliable, adaptable, and capable of executing key strategies. They may not always make headlines, but they are essential for maintaining steady progress.
Best Used For:
- Keeping operations running smoothly
- Handling a variety of tasks with consistency
- Adapting to changing circumstances
- Problem-solving
- Supporting different departments
Leadership Lesson
Keep them engaged by offering new challenges. Their versatility is valuable, but they still need direction and recognition to stay motivated.
It’s like spending all your time at the range practicing only your drives or putts. Irons make up a significant part of your game, and neglecting them will only weaken your overall performance.
4) The Wedges – Your Precision Specialists
Wedges are all about finesse.
They help you escape tough situations and place the ball exactly where it needs to be.
These employees are your specialists, highly skilled in a particular area and critical in key moments. They may not be involved in every project, but when you need them, they can save the day.
Best Used For:
- Helping the team navigate challenges
- Troubleshooting and solving complex problems
- Fine-tuning processes to improve efficiency
- Providing expert insights and technical knowledge
- Handling high-pressure situations with accuracy
Leadership Lesson
Make sure they’re positioned to succeed. Specialists work best when their unique skills are recognized and applied in the right situations.
5) The Putter – Your Closer
You can crush a perfect drive on a par 4, leaving the ball just 8 feet from the hole.
But if you take three putts (or if you’re like me, five), it’s still just a par.
If you can’t putt, you can’t win.
Putters are your closers.
The employees who make sure things get finished. They focus on the details, eliminate mistakes, and ensure projects cross the finish line smoothly.
Without them, all the hard work leading up to the final step could go to waste.
Best Used For:
- Ensuring quality control and customer satisfaction
- Finalizing projects and ensuring follow-through
- Paying attention to critical details
- Bringing consistency and reliability to the team
- Executing plans with precision
Leadership Lesson
Allow them to read their line.
Give them the time and space to work. Rushing their process can lead to errors, so trust them to do what they do best.
Wrapping Up
One of the biggest leadership lessons from golf is understanding that success comes from using the right club for the right shot.
You don’t need a team full of drivers, just like you don’t need only putters. You need balance.
As a leader, your job is to recognize the strengths of your team members, put them in positions where they can succeed, and adjust your strategy as needed.
Because when you do?
That’s when you start leading like a pro.
Now, tell me, what kind of “club” are you in your organization? Let’s chat in the comments!
