If you’ve spent much time on the golf course, you may have picked up on the special vocabulary that has developed throughout the history of the game to describe just about any situation you may encounter during a typical round. Uniquely descriptive – and sometimes wildly inappropriate – golf lingo helps paint a more accurate picture of what you’re dealing with. But why do we reserve this language solely for the golf course? There are plenty of opportunities to dig into the golfer lexicon throughout the workday to help drive home an important point.
Fore!
On the golf course: There are several stories as to how this term originated, but there’s no mistaking what it means. Every golfer knows when you hear “Fore!” echoing across the links it means take cover because a poorly struck ball could be heading your way.
In the office: Surprise projects and last minute changes in direction happen in the workplace all the time. Your employees know it happens, and if you’ve built a high performing team, they’re likely ready and able to roll with the punches. Just remember, when issues arise it’s always important to give your workers as much advance warning as possible.
In the Drink
On the golf course: It’s not as refreshing as it sounds. If you find yourself “in the drink” during a round of golf, it means you’ve hit your ball into a body of water, such as a pond, stream, or lake, and there’s not much more you can do other than take your penalty stroke and try again.
In the office: When you’re “in the drink,” you know a project has hit a dead end. You’re at the point of no return. All you can do is take another shot or try a new approach – after addressing any penalties you may have incurred, of course.
In the Sticks
On the golf course: Most novice golfers are more familiar with this term than they’d like to be. When you’re “in the sticks,” you’ve hit your ball deep into a grove of trees, or you’re way past the first cut of rough and standing knee deep in thick underbrush. However, at this point, whether you rely on your skill or a little mercy from the golf gods, you still have a chance to get back in the game.
In the office: This term can be used when a project starts off great, but due to missteps along the way, becomes much more difficult – but not impossible. It’s important not to break down. Unlike when you’re “in the drink,” when you find yourself “in the sticks,” you still might have a chance. Just like on the golf course, one very well-placed shot can get you back on the right track.
Chili Dipper
On the golf course: This is a shot where the club head hits the ground before it comes into contact with the ball, taking with it a huge chunk of dirt and grass. The resulting shot is never pretty. A chili dipper often happens when a golfers take their eyes off the ball during the swing, causing them to hit off target.
In the office: Stay focused with your eye on the goal and make sure your actions are well-thought out and controlled. Many times a team can get so excited to see the final outcome of a project they are working on that they lose focus on the process and get ahead of themselves.
Playing from the Tips
On the golf course: “The tips” refers to the tee box that is the farthest distance away from the green. This is where the pros play. Playing from the tips makes the course longer and often brings more hazards into play.
In the office: Go for it all, and don’t be afraid to take on more difficult projects. You want a team who likes to “play from the tips.” They’re the workers who are confident in their knowledge and abilities, and actually welcome a challenge. These are your highest performing employees.
In all actuality, a majority of golf lingo would probably confuse your employees more than provide clarity in a difficult workplace situation. But, from time to time, there’s no reason why you couldn’t take a page from the golfer dictionary to help drive an important point home.
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