Many of us think of golf as a game played for enjoyment and recreation. However, it can be so much more than that for the businesswoman.

I recently returned from a fantastic seminar held at Chateau Elan Winery near Atlanta. Business Golf for Women is a national seminar conducted by Bruce Baird, who has been in the golf business for over 50 years. These seminars are designed to enhance businesswomen’s networking skills using golf as the vehicle.

The morning sessions were with successful businesswomen who have used golf in the advancement of their careers and have learned to feel confident and comfortable in a business golf setting just as they did in a business meeting. They shared great networking ideas.

The keynote speaker was Karen Handel, who served as Georgia’s Secretary of State and ran a competitive campaign for governor and U.S. Senate. She expressed how much golf had helped advance her business career.

Handel said businesswomen should ask themselves if their clients and prospects play golf. Do their colleagues go out to play golf with clients while the women are in the office working? If so, then golf is a game they should pursue.

The afternoon sessions were with LPGA Professionals on the driving range. I was the lead instructor for the clinic.

Our goal was to provide women with a basic understanding of the game. We had extensive instruction on the fundamentals and the importance of the short game.

If women can putt, chip and pitch they will be successful on the golf course.

We discussed the importance of keeping the drive in play. In order to understand why the ball reacted as it did, we discussed some basic causes and effects so they can continue to practice once they returned home.

Our evening chats were questions and answers. Some topics of concern were the importance of purchasing the correct equipment, how to find a qualified teaching professional, knowing proper etiquette and basic rules of the game, the mental side of the game, and the importance of playing in charity outings with clients and friends.

If you are interested in attending a Business Golf for Women national seminar, visit their website at www.business golfforwomen.com for more information.

I will conduct a free seminar at 6 p.m. June 8 at Sun City’s Hidden Cypress Clubhouse. If you are a businesswoman interested in how golf can help you network, email me before June 5 to reserve your spot.

Dr. Jean Harris is an LPGA Master Professional at Sun City Hilton Head. jean.golfdoctor.harris@gmail.com; www.golfdoctorjean.com