FAIRWAYS TO OPPORTUNITY: WOMEN, GOLF, AND THE BUSINESS OF NETWORKING
Seventeen years ago, our Business Development Manager, Natalie Simpson picked up a golf club thinking it would just be a hobby. Little did she know it would turn into one of her best business strategies. Yet somehow, no one ever asks, “Do you play?” Natalie has even joked about posting: “Did you know I play golf, just to get invited along to more games, and sometimes I even invite myself to caddy in what has traditionally been a male-oriented networking sport?”
Golf has always been a fantastic way for Natalie to connect with people, build relationships, and enjoy some friendly competition. Fancy a game?
Golf as a Business Connector
What Natalie loves about golf is that it levels the playing field, literally. On the course, titles or your sex don’t matter. You could be a CEO or just starting out in your career, and yet you’re both battling the same bunker shot or grimacing over the same three-putt. That shared challenge breaks down barriers faster than any boardroom icebreaker ever could.
She has lost count of the number of times a chat about the best line into a green has naturally flowed into a conversation about property, investments, or business ideas. Deals aren’t always sealed over contracts, they often start with a well-timed drive down the fairway. Let’s face it, some of the best ideas come while trying to avoid the sand trap or laughing at someone who just managed a spectacularly creative slice.
Why Golf Works for Everyone
For Natalie, golf has been a way to step into conversations and build connections in a relaxed setting. You don’t need to play like Rory McIlroy, Charley Hull or Gemma Dryburgh to make golf work for you. Some of the most memorable business conversations she has had have happened after completely duffing a shot. Nothing bonds people quite like laughing over a ball that went in the opposite direction of where you intended. Fancy a game? You’ll soon see what she means.
Where Property Meets the Putting Green
As someone who works in property, Natalie has found the golf course to be one of the most unexpected yet productive “offices.” She has had some of her most honest chats about Edinburgh’s property market while waiting on the tee box, or shared insights about downsizing trends somewhere between the 12th and 13th hole.
Talking property while walking the course feels more open and candid than sitting across a desk. Maybe it’s the fresh air, maybe it’s the pace, or maybe it’s just the joy of multitasking while trying to avoid the rough! And if anyone challenges you to a friendly wager? Well, that’s just part of the fun.
A Practical Invitation
If you’ve ever thought about golf but felt it wasn’t for you, Natalie says "give it a go". Start with a driving range, join a relaxed social round, or just borrow some clubs and have fun. You don’t need to post a dazzling scorecard to open up new connections. Sometimes it’s the missed putt, the friendly banter, and the shared walk that create the strongest bonds. Fancy a game? You’ll leave with a story, if not a perfect score.
Girls Do Golf Too
Golf isn’t just a sport it’s a stage for conversations, opportunities, and yes, the occasional laugh at a truly shocking shot. After 17 years of playing, Natalie can say it has given her both a healthier handicap and a healthier network. Fancy a game? The fairway is wide open and it’s about time more of us claimed our spot on it.
Do you play golf or have a funny fairway story that’s led to a business connection? Natalie would love to hear it.
