Networking is focus of Brickyard golf event
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Lynsay Clutter/Eyewitness News
Indianapolis - Despite the heat, people are hitting the links Wednesday as they combine a little business with pleasure.
Hundreds of business people will converge on the Brickyard Crossing Golf Course for Business at the Brickyard. They're attending not just to sharpen their game, but to open doors to new business opportunities.
The event, which is in its second year, features golf, clinics and networking for those hitting the course. Sam Foley is the man behind the concept.
A teaching professional by trade, Foley is at home on the course. On the links Wednesday morning, he talked about how golf can help you size up a potential business relationship.
"All the guards come down out on the golf course. People are more themselves, and that's the whole point in getting to know somebody and trusting them," said Foley.
Learning the game and etiquette is what it's all about today. During our round I hit my approach off to the right of the hole while Foley pitched his up within a few inches.
Just after our second respective shots, I was about 25 feet away and Foley was about six inches away. What's the proper thing to do under these circumstances? "I would say, pick it up. It's a good gesture on your part," Foley said.
Foley says small actions on the course can lead to big benefits off the course, simply by the way you handle yourself. On the second hole, Foley chips past the pin and just misses his birdie putt. Then I try my luck over a birdie putt.
"Oh, that is great. That is a high-five right there," Foley said encouragingly.
"It's not about what you shoot, it's how good a time your client has. And it's about the character and integrity you represent when you're on the golf course," Foley said.
