Do you need to be good at golf?

I would add, learn how to play golf and the etiquette for the course.

I would rather play with someone who shoots 100 and has good etiquette, than someone who hits shots but has no idea how to conduct themselves.

Just don’t be like Katherine Hepburn on the golf course in Bringing Up Baby

I would recommend giving it a go. As others have said, it definitely can't hurt. I found myself in a similar predicament this summer when I started FT. Was absolutely terrible then, but I'm shooting sub 100 somewhat consistently on a 73.3/126. Once you get passed the terrible and somewhat embarrassing phase, it really does become enjoyable and somewhat relaxing. A lot of folks will likely recommend a lesson or two, but I have yet to get to that point.. just take pointers from those you're playing with, and be sure to learn the proper etiquette before going out with folks who are serious about it. 10/10 recommend if you're open to trying something new and working through the first few 120+ rounds you'll shoot

If you are trying to use golf as a networking tool (at least as a younger guy) I would have it in mind that, the goal is to be good enough that people will think of you when they need a 4/8some and are scraping the bottom for a final player. That roughly translates to being able to go anywhere and break 100 (from the blues) without breaking a sweat.

I know for some of the better players on the site, that high of a score is going to sound blasphemous but as long as you play quickly and with etiquette the score line isn't going to matter so much, it's the teebox and putting green conversation that are the keys.

Antiaverage:

do you need to be good at golf?

To directly answer this: You want to be average at golf. You don't want to be the banker with the +2 handicap that beats every client. You want to be the guy that can keep up, doesn't slow the pace of play, and make the game challenging enough for the client that they feel good when they win.

An MD asked me once "What do you talk about on the golf course? You don't talk about fucking pitchbooks. You talk about someone's kids, the Jets, and so on. It's about relationships."

Play golf regularly especially with internal management, sell-side clients and also investors. Not really good but decent player. Things that I would advise would be that golf is an activity that grown up men do for building relationship so it is important that you are well behaved during this rather than trying to do well at the game. Most of the time, you want the counter party to enjoy the game, had a good chat to build interpersonal relationship, and come off as a gentleman (i.e. not swearing, throwing tempers, being rude to the caddies, or cheating at the game). In the end, whether or not you are good at the game doesn't matter, it is about carrying yourself well.

Tbh I also had this impression at first because of all the movies and everything I've read online describing the stereotypical culture/lifestyle in finance, which most of it still holds true but the need of being good at golf is definitely NOT required.

As a lifetime seeker of competent golf, become good at golf because you want to be a good golfer, not to impress others. It's much easier to play (and be good) for the pleasure of that feeling when you hit a great shot vs. thinking about how other view your game.

Golf is hard. Every day is different. Your body can only do what it can do on any given day. Figure that part out and have fun with it.

I think golf is a nice to have but not a requirement. There are countless other ways to impress clients and get mandated on deals. From my limited experience at a top BB coverage group, most of my former bosses didn’t play golf. The group head was even vocal about how he hated golf and played

You don't have to be "good" but it helps to play. A lot of conferences will have a golfing aspect to them. If you can't play, then you naturally miss out.

Is that the end of your career? No. Would it help your career? Yes a little.

Personally, I don't play and have been on the fence about learning to do it. There is clearly an advantage, but I don't know if its worth it at this point buying clubs, getting lessons, and putting a lot of time into it so that I can socialize a little bit better at the next conference.

So, if you're in college or high school and have some extra time to learn the game, do it! But if you're already in a career, you're probably in my same position where the effort to reward ratio might not make it worth it, especially if you're clocking 70 - 80 hrs a week in IB.

..

For your career, don't be terrible at golf. But more so be a great person to golf with. Playing a round of golf is long and you spend a lot of time with your cartmate / other pairings. Have good stories, be a good companion, have a great time etc

Definitely on my to-do list. No need to be amazing but probably a good idea not to be total shit.

Where do people find the time to practice golf as analysts/associates? I suck but feel like I'll never have the time to get better.

I don't really care from a career perspective, golf is just fun

Some of my favorite and applicable golf quotes:

"To find a man's true character, play golf with him"

“Golf... is the infallible test. The man who can go into a patch of rough alone, with the knowledge that only God is watching him, and play his ball where it lies, is the man who will serve you faithfully and well.”

• P.G. Wodehouse

Nobody will ask you to play golf them simply because you're a scratch golfer (it generally isn't a team sport and you wouldn't want to invite someone to just kick your butt every time you play).

You need to be fun to be around, average (so that they're not stuck helping you find a ball for 10 minutes on every hole), and above all else, a good person. It's true that you really get to know someone when you play golf. If they cheat, use their foot wedge, move the ball, try to pull one over on you, etc. it says a lot about them as a person and potential client / investor. Learn the etiquette, be honest, and hit the range every few days.

How you carry yourself on the course says a lot more about you than how well you shoot.

Fortunately surrounded by friends who share the same golf itch on a weekly basis. We have a couple scratch golfers in the mix and its definitely more fun to play with the guys who go out there to have fun even when their game is rough. Scratch guys (generalizing) know so much about the game and can be helpful with tips most times but sometimes can't relax and enjoy being out on the course.

I think golf is a huge plus but not as useful as being a lacrosse player. Golf almost always comes up in interviews for me and is a nice conversation starter. Just try to be someone who can break 90 consistently.

Take a look at my golf threads if you'd like to get some advice.

https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/how-to-buy-your-first-set-of-gol…

https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forums/the-comprehensive-golf-thread-an…

some of yall make breaking 90 sound like a walk in the park.

I didn't touch a golf club during my 3+ years in banking.