Golf and business: a matter of passion

Golf and networking... A beautiful story of complicity that began in the middle of the 18th century.^e The first Scottish clubs, particularly those in Edinburgh and Saint Andrews, were playful offshoots of the first Masonic lodges. Reserved for men - exclusively for men - these clubs, which brought together the nobility and upper middle classes, were ideal for socialising. Today, even if golf has become more democratic While it has become a mixed group, it still retains a certain standing, primarily reaching company directors and executives aged over 40.

The spirit of networking is always present. "We're on familiar terms on hole 1 and we're on familiar terms at 18It's a great way to get to know your customers and prospects," says Thomas Cabrières, manager of BCM Sports, an agency that organises corporate golf incentives for customers and prospects. "The green is an exceptional venue for informal discussions"he adds. As participants share the same interests, bonds are forged. Spending nearly four hours in the middle of nature, and in magnificent surroundings, encourages discussion and breaks down barriers. "It's a rewarding experience from every point of view"says Christine Lauredi, Director of Operations at tour operator Greens du Monde.

As a result, major groups have no qualms about communicating through the sport, and organise their own tournaments, taking over a private course to invite clients and partners. Beware, however, that golf is still a gentleman's sport. Talking business during the game is out of the question, as it would not be good manners and would therefore be very badly perceived. Business is conducted off the green. Another popular formula with companies is the Pro-Am, where a professional player plays in a team of three amateurs. "These tournaments can be organised jointly by several companies, associations or clubs."says Laurent Boissonnas, Managing Director of the Open Golf Club chain.

Corporate spirit

Despite this, golf is not exclusively the preserve of CAC 40 companies, and is also popular with small and medium-sized businesses. "The aim is to take an employee away from their usual environment, to give them a change of scenery while providing them with a moment of relaxation, for example by inviting them on a holiday in the sun with a golfing activity as a bonus."says Jean-Louis Suty, Chairman of the events agency Promogolf. Of course, France has no shortage of fine courses, starting with the Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines national golf course, which has hosted the prestigious Ryder Cup.

Similarly, many resorts combine top-of-the-range hotelsWhether it's the aptly named Hôtel du Golf by the Barrière group in Deauville and the green bocages of Normandy, the Evian Resort with the Alps as a backdrop, or the blue of the Mediterranean in dialogue with the greens of the Dolce Frégate, between Marseille and Toulon. But when it comes to rewarding their staff or winning over their customers, companies are often tempted to go one step further.

Generally speaking, when it comes to seminars, the destination must be less than four hours from France. This explains the success of Morocco, Portugal and Spain. Especially in Spain, which is Europe's golfing destination par excellence with its 399 golf courses, including some famous ones such as the very select Real Club Valderrama and Club Golf de La Reserva, both in Andalusia, and the PGA Catalunya Resort. Located between Girona and Barcelona in Catalonia, just twenty minutes from the beaches of the Costa Brava, this luxury hotel complex is home to two 18-hole courses: the Tour, for players of all levels, and the Stadium Course, regularly ranked among the top ten golf courses in Europe and designed by Neil Coles, star of the Ryder Cup in the 1960s and 1970s, and former Spanish champion Angel Gallardo.

The five-star Hotel Le Camiral, a member of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World club, is just a few metres from the tees of both courses. Designed by Lazaro Rosa-Violan and perfectly suited to groups, it has 145 rooms of various categories, as well as eight modular meeting rooms, the largest of which can accommodate 450 people theatre-style. As well as golf, the hotel offers a range of activities for sports enthusiasts: walking and cycling circuits, diving, tennis and paddle lessons, sea fishing excursions, hot-air ballooning, parachuting... In short, there's something for everyone! keep non-golfers busy !

In the Cadiz region, near Jerez de la Frontera, the flagship of the Barcelo group, the Montecastillo Golf & Sport Resort, also offers an exceptional stay for incentive groups. In the heart of nature, just a stone's throw from a 19th-century castle, the Montecastillo Golf & Sport Resort is the perfect place for a group incentive.^e This luxury complex, which has been refurbished in the 21st century to host a variety of MICE events, boasts 124 rooms, 38 villas, a conference centre and a full range of sports and leisure activities, including a spa, tennis courts, football pitches, a multi-sports area and Europe's first civilian bootcamp - a marine-style training camp. Its 18-hole golf course, designed by Jack NicklausThis course, which probably has the best record in the history of golf, has hosted some prestigious competitions, including the Volvo Masters and the final of the Peugeot Tour. What's more, it has its own Caddy Academy!

"The classification of the golf course, its location, but also the quality of its accommodation and ancillary activities, such as the spa and swimming pool, are all criteria that come into play when making the final choice of destination."confirms Florence Routoulp, Director of Sop Events. This agency receives two types of request from managers who are passionate about golf. Car a company doesn't choose golf by chance They are generally influenced internally by a player. So there are those who are looking for a very short, local operation, and who therefore opt for France; and there are those who want themed golf trips to which they can invite a small group of around ten people, usually customers or prospects.

In the latter case, the destination's golfing reputation is essential. "Among
the must-sees, the United Kingdom and IrelandThe Old Course in Saint Andrews, Scotland, is one of the most prestigious golf courses in the world," says Charles-Henri Bachelier, CEO of Versicolor Partners, organiser of Le Mondial du Golf. The Old Course at Saint Andrews, in Scotland, is one of the most prestigious golf courses in the world. legendary routes. It's a bit like the Mecca of golf, with players dreaming of treading the greens at least once in their lives. But, as Florence Routoulp points out, it's very difficult to play: "You have to book years in advance, have a licence and a minimum handicap - 24 for men and 36 for women - and, what's more, be lucky enough to be drawn!"Along with Saint Andrews, the Trump Turnberry golf course on the west coast of Scotland is also one of these prestigious possibilities. The hotel, which bears the name of its investor, US President Donald Trump, is built on a promontory overlooking the Firth of Clyde, the Isle of Arran and the Mull of Kintyre. At its foot is the famous Ailsa course, where the greatest golfers have competed in the 1977, 1986, 1994 and 2009 British Opens.

Golf planet

Jean-Louis Suty chooses his destinations according to the reason for the golf trip. "For a business seminar where golf is an accessory, we prefer Spain, Morocco or Portugal. If the participants are convited for a weekend or short breakThe first choice is a prestigious golf course"says the Chairman of Promogolf. Other factors are increasingly being taken into account, starting with geographical proximity. Companies are now more likely to opt for countries that are close by and have a reputation for safety, such as Italy, Spain and Portugal, countries which "is becoming increasingly popular, particularly the Algarve"says Charles-Henri Bachelier. Philippe Soleillant, director of PSO Communication, the agency that organises the Word Corporate Golf Challenge, confirms the company's rising profile.

A few kilometres from Faro, overlooking the ocean, the four-trident Club Med Da Balaia was renovated in 2016 to meet this demand as closely as possible. New features include a golf concierge service, the first in the group, with a G.O. who books transfers and manages equipment. Another Da Balaia creation: the golfers' loungeThis is an area reserved for players to relax after a round. The village invites groups to swing on its 9-hole golf course or on one of the 20 nearby courses. In addition, it is the first Club Med resort to offer a new "Meeting & Events" concept with four seminar rooms equipped with a working wall - featuring an interactive digital screen with a clickshare presentation system - and an energy wall where snacks, treats and bottled water are available.

On France's doorstep, Germany is also an interesting destination. It boasts 737 golf courses, including such renowned names as Golf Club Baden-Baden and Hamburger Golf Club Falkenstein. Balancing tradition and luxury, this 18-hole course near Hamburg, which hosted the first German championship in 1960, is still reputed to be the best in the country. Among the nearby regions, Iceland plays the originality card. Three and a half hours from Paris, this pocket-sized country invites golfers to playing at midnight in the middle of a lava field with a panorama of majestic glaciers. The country has 15 18-hole courses and 46 9-hole courses, twice as many per capita as Scotland! Golf is the second most popular sport in the country. Every June, Akureyri hosts the only tournament in the world to start at midnight and finish at five in the morning - the Arctic Open Epreuve - which attracts golfers from all over the world to compete under the midnight sun! It's an unforgettable experience, perfect for incentive groups.

On the other hand, for small VIP groups, sunny, exotic and remote destinations are still very popular. While the Seychelles attracts a large number of Pro-Am guests, Mauritius remains the most popular destination. the darling of the French. The hotels are all adapted to cater for business travellers, including the Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa. Set against Le Morne mountain, in the heart of a 150-hectare peninsula lapped by the turquoise waters of the lagoon, it offers a spectacular 18-hole course with uninterrupted views of the sea and mountains. The teeing ground is just 20 metres from the clubhouse. Golf du Paradis even has its own academy with training facilities. All the MICE expertise of the Beachcomber hotel group is deployed in this luxurious establishment: dedicated team, privileged access to four other golf courses, conference room with a capacity of 180 people, reception areas and tailor-made theme evenings...

Skyscrapers at the end of the greens

Other destinations are also appearing on the golfing scene. Christine Lauredi, from Greens du Monde, notes that Dubai is attracting many groups. In the heart of the desert, the city boasts impressive greens, each as beautiful as the next. Dubai has forged a solid reputation in the golf world by organising the Omega Dubai Desert Classic tournament every year. One of the Emirate's prestigious golf courses is The Address Montgomerie, part of a resort featuring an 18-hole course designed by Scottish champion Colin Montgomerie. The course covers more than 107 hectares, including 20 hectares of artificial lakes, 37 hectares of gardens and 81 large bunkers. Just outside the city, in the heart of an oasis as calm as it is green and dotted with bodies of water, the Ja Jebel Ali Golf Resort is just as surprising. This 9-hole course can be used in various configurations to play a full 18 holes. Famous players such as Tiger Woods, Severiano Ballesteros and Colin Montgomerie have played here. Good to know: the best time to play golf in Dubai is between October and March.

Golf destinations in the Maghreb are also making a comeback, according to Charles-Henri Bachelier: "Egypt is making a strong comeback, Tunisia is investing again in this market, but Morocco remains the undisputed leader"In Marrakech, MICE groups account for 25 % of turnover at the Fairmont Royal Palm hotel. Many come for its 18-hole course dotted with water hazards and wild bunkers. It is one of the most beautiful golf courses in Morocco, with a course lined with bougainvillea, oleanders and hibiscus. Facilities include a golf academy, a driving range with a "digital coaching studio"It also has two putting greens and a chipping green. Introductory and advanced lessons are also available. With 134 rooms, suites and villas, the Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech can also organise personalised competitions for companies. It also has eight meeting rooms for up to 500 people, a vast spa, a sports centre with a semi-Olympic swimming pool and six restaurants.

A quasi-obligation in Japan

The Land of the Rising Sun is an ideal destination for companies wishing to offer an exceptional holiday to a small group of privileged individuals. In Japan, golf is widely used by companies as a corporate lever. It is not uncommon for some of them pay their managers' contributions so that they can do business and bring back customers. The first course was created in Kobe in 1903 for the enjoyment of English expatriates, but the craze for the sport really took off in 1957 after two Japanese won the Canada Cup, the world team championship. Today, it is the most popular sport, with nearly 20 million players. Golf is so much a part of the business world that if a Japanese employee is invited to play golf and doesn't go, he or she can be sacked! In other countries, including France, getting away from the office would be frowned upon... But as sports journalist Grantland Rice once said, "you know a person better after an 18-hole round than after 18 years in the same office."