Why should a busy business woman want to play golf? Because where else can you spend as much as two to four hours of quality time with a business colleague? The golf course is a terrific place to network.

Many employers are now using golf as a personality test to observe potential employees and clients. Some employers believe they can find out more about a person through a round of golf than in an interview across the desk.

You can observe many traits during a round of golf:

How does she handle stress?

How is her character, sense of humor and honesty?

Does she have a positive or negative attitude?

You get to know her likes, dislikes, family life, etc.

You get to know someone at a different level.

Men have always used golf as a way to do business. An estimated 95 percent of Fortune 500 CEO’s play golf.

More and more business women all over the country are hitting the links so they, too, can build relationships with clients and senior management.

The women members of Augusta National are all business women. Women who play golf have a definite edge in their career and business paths. More and more women are rising to high-level management positions and are recognizing the value of building personal relationships through golf.

Business women also need golf as a means to be with their friends. Golf is such a great social game that allows the business woman to relax after a stressful day at work.

Golf for women is more fun when the emphasis shifts away from how well they play, how far they hit the ball, or who won. Golf is also more fun when there is little risk of embarrassment.

Use this quiz to know if you’re ready to hit the links:

How do I know if I am ready to play business golf?

Driver – be able to hit the drive 100 yards off the tee

Fairway wood or hybrid 75 yards

Hit greens from 50 yards out

Bunker – get out of bunker two out of three times

Greens – 3 putt or less on most greens

Know proper etiquette

Know pace of play

Know when to pick up and put ball in your pocket

I highly recommend that all women get involved in the game of golf, whether for business or relaxation.

Remember that there is no business like golf business.

Dr. Jean Harris is an LPGA Master Professional and teaches at local courses. jean.golfdoctor.harris@gmail.com; golfdoctorjean.com