Well at Auburn University it’s PHED 1520 but whatever you want to call it I’m learning golf this semester. In addition to taking my toughest computer science course in summer school I’m also working on the relational side of re-entering the workforce in a couple of years. From now on whenever somebody says “Tournament time!” I’ll be saying “Where do I sign up?” without hesitation. This is actionism at it’s funnest and most practical application. It’s all about professional enhancement and good times.

Last week we covered the last of the important sections in The Rules of Golf and this week we did a pre-test review. The test is tomorrow and the rest of summer we’ll spend our time on the course. Here’s where we take our class at Indian Pines Golf Course in Auburn, Alabama.

All you college students need to take golf as a gym requirement, an elective or a GPA booster. No matter what field of work you go into it can only hlep you. For-profit, non-profit, government, doesn’t matter. Just register for the class. Some of you who aren’t athletic or some who are but don’t think golf is a “real sport” are wondering why you should waste your time and money on it. Because, for your professional aspirations, this game isn’t about being able to win or even play well. It’s all about being able to participate, to prove yourself as a team player in the office, to become an effective networker internally and externally to your place of employment. You’ve heard of “the meeting after the meeting”? This is the fun version of that.

It’s how you make yourself known outside the office, when you get to know your managers and other superiors on an informal basis. Not only are business deals made company to company on the links but nice projects and assignments are handed out on putting greens and fairways on a regular basis. That’s the relational part. Just think about it. People always like working with people that they already like, right? Well bosses like giving out plumb prizes to employees they already like as people too. I can’t make it any simpler for you than that.

As for you folks currently in the workforce – WHAT ARE YOU WAITING ON!!! No, seriously, go to your nearest public course and sign up for a class. Give them a call and find out how much it costs. Save a few bucks from the next couple of paychecks if you need to but stop making excuses not to do the obvious, people. This is one of the best self improvement classes you can pay for that will help you get a raise as quickly as anything else you’ve got going for you. And you’ll probably wind up liking it and start playing for fun on your own or with friends. It’s a great thing all the way around.

It’s not as exhorbitantly expensive as you’ve been told either. Go to your favorite local discount/everything-you-need-in-one-place store and buy the cheapest set of clubs you can buy. Don’t get the high end stuff and wear out your wallet. You haven’t learned how to play yet. Develop the basic skills first and when you become a project manager or receive that department head promotion – because not only are you smart and qualified but you and the boss are pals – then you can go the fancy route.

Are you still on the computer? C’mon, pick up the phone and sign up for that class with the local golf pro. See you on the course soon.