There is no need to lie to get on a golf tour
One time I was contacted by a client who had just recently been on a golf tour with us. I had posted a video of him hitting a shot on Facebook. He took issue with the video being posted without his permission. I told him that this permission was covered in our booking form which he had signed. The problem for him was that he was not supposed to be on a golf trip. He had obviously lied to a “significant other” about why he was away that week. I removed the Facebook post but then I thought do you really have to lie to go on a golf trip? The answer should always be no!
It has been said that men think that compromise is something that both sides can live with whilst women think that it is they are not getting everything they wanted. If this rings true for you, then discussing going away for a golf trip involves you first controlling the listening of your partner.
You are more important than golf
It is a big statement but it has to be true and sincere. Assure your partner or spouse that they are your greatest love and that you will come back reinvigorated for the relationship. Also make sure you give them plenty of notice of a golf trip. That just commuicates respect. Or you could say you would even sell your golf clubs for the relationship (an even bigger statement!)
QTA (Quality Time Apart)
Just the same as there is Quality Time Together (QTT) there must also be QTA in a relationship. Sell the fact that time away with your golf friends will be good for your mental health. You will come back with that itch scratched and ready to plan something together.
Work hard, play hard
Often you will know about a golf trip months in advance. Promise and deliver upon some of those jobs that have been hanging around the house in the months leading up to the golf trip. You may also been working hard in your job and may earn that big promotion or you get a better paid job elsewhere. I have seen this result in the gift of a golf trip.
Give them a trip away first or do a reconnaissance trip together
Give your partner a chance to have a trip away with their friends first or organise a trip to the planned golf location that doesn’t involve a game. If it is a good location for a golf trip, it will have more than golf available. Check out the hotels and the hospitality that you may want to take your golf group to. Get your partner’s opinion . It maybe more objective than your own.
Your supporting a regional community
In Australia the last few years have been tough for regional Australia. There was drought, floods and COVID. Figures from Visit Victoria state that the average golf tourist spends $243 a day on top of their golf. Golf tourism is great for regional communities. By you travelling and playing there, you are helping them get back on their feet. Money coming in is great for regional community families. Your partner will understand that.
Offer to take a family relative along
Offer to take an in-law , son or one of their other relatives along as a family bonding experience. This is sure to win brownie points and golf can be a great way to build bridges with the other side of the family. You may also find that you really enjoy the experience and they become a permanent invitee to the group.
Have a golf trip that includes the partner and the family
You don’t need to leave the better half behind even if they don’t play golf. You may want to go on a family holiday and play some golf as well. If it’s summer you can get an early tee time (say 7am) and playing in a cart or by yourself you can be back by mid- morning and be ready for other activities or to relax with your partner and the family.
A chance to build a
new friend or business networks
If they are a caring partner they should understand that it is relationship healthy to have a support network also outside the two of you. A golf trip can be great for that. Also if business networks are important for the family livelihood, then it could be chance to build up those type of relationships which your partner could be convinced of the value of.
Come back with a gift
Maybe venture away from souvenir shirts from the pro shop and make a habit of buying a gift for your partner that relates to the region you are visiting. It means that you were thinking of them whilst you were away and these little tokens, will make it easier next time to ask for time off for a golf trip.
Learn how to give a massage
If you need more reasons to convince your partner than a fallback is learn how to give a massage. A massage could be good to give after you have had a normal golf game and your partner has been taking care of the family. Give one when you come back from a golf trip and it is a showing that you care about the relationship. Will make it easier to ask again in the future.
Check out some of the itineraries we have for Canberra and South Coast golf tours and talk how you could fit these in with what your partner needs.