GOLF: Take a walk on the Wild Side

Famous Golfer Mac O’Grady said, “One minute you’re bleeding. The next minute you’re hemorrhaging. The next minute you’re painting the Mona Lisa.”

Golf. People love it. Out in the fresh air, moving the body, playing with your team and competing with yourself, golf is contrast between the agony of a golfer bleeding out and the ecstasy of a moment of creative genius when they hit the perfect ball. Of course, after painting the Mona Lisa, you’ll likely return back to the suffering that accompanies a crappy shot. But just one Mona Lisa in the game is enough to keep you going. Hungry for variance, it’s the range of experiences that people love about this sport.

While some might be wondering what you’re doing out playing golf, thinking you should be in the office, it’s clear business and pleasure “do mix” on the golf course. According to MGT Open, “54% of business professionals see Golf as “the sport of business”, 25% of business decision-makers play Golf, 48% of executives see the Golf course as an ideal business environment, 38% of executives use Golf as an “international language” to break language and cultural barriers, and 41% describe Golf as “a perfect way” to get to know business associates.”

So it’s clear golf and business are synonymous. Playing golf with business associates is a good way to make new contacts, establish a closer relationship, get inside your clients world and understand their needs, and close the deal. Golf is exciting on many levels, the sport itself feeds the personality of the business developer who loves a challenge. And doing business while playing golf is a double wammy. Some of the biggest business deals in the world were made on the golf course.

And then there’s the mind, body, spirit that is served by being on the golf course. Spending time in nature is a proven aide in revitalizing your sense of being. The calming effects nature plays are a big part in how we live and work. Look at it like an investment into the bank account of the human spirit.

The OGM Golf Day At The Wilds

Spawning from the banks of the Salmonier River, in Newfoundland, Canada, is . A golf course coupled with an adventurous resort, this astounding property could easily double as a nature reserve. Breathtaking landscapes cascade before you into the unbound wilderness surrounding the greenbelt. Birds soaring freely overhead combined with the sound of the splashing river to induce a state of zen that releases you from all your worries. Everything about this place is open, wild and free.

Our team at The OGM, designed a day to take our clients to The Wilds and make it a complete golf day. Driving to The Wilds from St. John’s we boarded our clients onto the bus for an hour’s run, to The Wilds Adventure Resort. August is the perfect time to play Golf at
The Wilds and as luck would have it, we had the perfect 25 degree day with not too much wind.

36 clients in golf carts formed a convoy of players as we headed out to our nine holes for a game of best ball. The challenges and conditions of the game ensured we got to know each other. Teams became powerfully connected and business relationships flowed naturally.

The Wilds 18-hole Championship Golf Course is pristine and world class. Equipped with a pro-shop, golf academy, swimming pool over looking the rolling hills, special Golf tournaments, hotel and suites, villas and cottages, BBQ’s, and even the ability to buy your own Golf property- it’s heaven.

Clearly an “Executive” resort, The Wilds has training rooms, meeting rooms, special event rooms and banquet rooms. The restaurant and bar are also designed to accommodate large groups and special functions. Equipped with the amenities of home and office, The Wilds at Salmonier River Golf Club provides an enjoyable retreat into the wilderness. The resort has multi-functioning rooms that are compatible with communication devices to keep you connected during conferences and meetings.

Extracurricular activities at The Wilds include a list of adventurous outdoor pursuits for all seasons, salmon fishing for the summer, and snow-mobiling for the winter plant guests in the middle of nature. Nearby sightseeing locations like the Salmonier Nature Park and Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve are within close proximity and can be accessed by a bus service provided by The Wilds. Whether you are looking for a one-of-a-kind adventure, or to revel in local lore and culture off the resort The Wilds bus service can get you there.

After The OGM golf game, all assigned oil and gas teams amalgamated on the patio of the main resort to compare scores and have lunch. For lunch we were presented with an above par amount of shrimp-skewers, and burgers that were barbecued to perfection for our party of hungry golf-goers on the beautiful outside rap-around deck.

The Wilds staff displayed their knowledge of golf with witty banter, and their attention to detail by accommodating dietary restrictions during meal preparation. Inside the modern full service dining room the staff had laid out a bunker worth of salads and desserts for our enjoyment. Sunshine and breathtaking views kept the group a loft outside on the patio. While guests were soaking in the splendour of the afternoon sun and eating lunch we played OGM trivia and gave away fun prizes.

By 3:00 in the afternoon, we re-boarded the bus and headed home with golfing memories, a few sunburns, and lots of new friends. We were happily beat out from the day and the feeling of camaraderie filled the spaces between us. That’s golf!