From my blog over on www.wotzon.com…

Bet you can’t guess what I went and did last night. I know you can’t because not even I knew what I was doing last night until about an hour before I was invited. Ok, I’ll tell you…I went to a ladies-only golf night! Jess Moorhead of the Wellington Young Professionals (WYP) phoned to say they had an extra seat, and would I like to come? She mentioned bubbles, nibbles, goodie bags… Extremely hard sell I know. I postponed my appointment with my long-suffering and very understanding hairdresser for the third time, and hurried down to jump on the bus. (For those who know me, this is an adventure in itself, I am usually quite the feet-transport-only kind of girl.)

Just a quick intro to WYP, they are a nonprofit group dedicated to creating a community for… well… young professionals. Obviously. The events are fun, cheap, and everyone is very friendly. Especially with some bubbles in their blood! Plug over, go join.

Anyway, there were about 30 ladies who attended last night, most who had never played a game of golf in their lives, bar the mini-kind with windmills and lions. The intro night was based on the premise that corporate events/relationships often involve a golf game, but that females (or equally inept males) are often unsure of etiquette and don’t want to look stupid (where’s the green? It’s all green!)

We were shown through all the game-basics from the warmth of the clubrooms, taken on a tour of the facilities, and instructed on what to do when arriving for a game. I found a hilarious poster which described acceptable attire for on the course, for example: ‘no business socks, sports socks only, must be predominantly white’. I’m told the poster is a little outdated and will be refreshed…

                                                            Ladies, check. Wine, check. PINK GOLF CLUBS! Check.

There is an old cliché that the biggest business deals are made over a game of golf, but it’s a cliché for a reason. I do know one particular firm in Wellington that frequently takes clients to stripclubs (seriously, I thought that only happened in the movies…) but according to Miramar Golf Club the tradition of the corporate golf game is alive and well.

At the evening’s end I’m not sure that I would feel comfy on a course with business associates just yet, but it did help being allowed to ask stupid questions without feeling stupid. And I can see how it’d be a nice thing to do with colleagues or clients – a four hour game gives you a fairly captive audience if there is something specific you’re after!

So the night was a success for me. I learnt a lot, stayed warm and indoors, was allowed to wear my work clothes and high heels, socialized, ate, drank and was required to demonstrate no athletic ability whatsoever – now that’s my kind of sport!

Oh and I nearly forgot, I won TWO business card draws! In the same night! Relinquished the first prize (rugby tickets, how sad..) due to being slightly too closely aligned with the sponsor, but I was allowed to keep the second one, and in the spirit of networking, I am going to share!

The prize is a golf lesson for me and some pals. Number of pals unspecified, so we’ll say the first 2 people who contact me can come join the lesson…