Thomas Keehn of Maryland is a construction industry entrepreneur with more than 30 years of leadership in home improvement. A University of Maryland graduate with a bachelor of science in criminal justice, he began his career in sales before founding Certified Inc. in Olney, Maryland, where his firm ranked No. 1 in the state and No. 13 nationally for Certainteed Corp. 5 Star warranty submissions. He now owns Certified Contractors Inc. in Wilmington, North Carolina, overseeing operations, materials, crews, and payroll. A member of organizations such as the National Roofing Contractors Association, the National Association of Home Builders, and the Better Business Bureau, Keehn maintains strong client service standards. He enjoys golf, hiking, boating, and travel, interests that align with this article’s focus on how golf can serve as a practical setting for business networking and relationship building.
The Benefits of Golf Beyond Entertainment – Business and Networking
Many people enjoy golf for recreation, time outdoors, and the calm environment it provides. The sport offers a welcome break from daily stress while serving as a gentle, low-impact form of exercise with real health benefits. Beyond personal rewards, golf has also earned a strong reputation as a platform for building professional relationships.
Golf changes how business meetings work. In boardroom meetings, time can feel short, and the atmosphere tense. Golf courses remove these constraints. A round of golf typically takes four to five hours, allowing people to connect and share experiences without pressure. Conversation in the course flows more naturally than in office settings. This relaxed pace allows people to move beyond rehearsed talking points and engage in genuine dialogue about goals, challenges, and ideas.
Golf also opens doors to exclusive circles where industry leaders, investors, and politicians gather. Premium clubs, often expensive or invitation-only, attract high-profile members. Sharing a round or membership with these individuals can foster deeper ties and lead to invitations to investment dinners, charity galas, and other elite events.
For marketers, golf provides a receptive environment for business discussions that feel natural rather than forced. Brand positioning blends seamlessly with casual conversation, and skilled professionals use breaks between shots or meals afterward to introduce ideas or share product stories. Corporate and charity golf events amplify this effect by gathering professionals from diverse sectors, allowing marketers to reach not only individuals but also their wider networks.
Golf also levels the field for people at different career levels and ages. The course is a neutral ground – everyone plays by the same rules. This setup allows junior professionals to communicate with senior leaders without formal barriers and exchange ideas. Age and physical ability also matter less in golf because the sport is a low-impact activity and adapts to various fitness levels. Young players receive career and life mentorship from seasoned professionals.
The sport also reveals character traits that matter in business. How players act shows more about who they are than their scores do. Golf requires players to keep their own scores, follow rules, and call penalties on themselves – these actions test honesty and integrity. Those showing these traits build trust with clients and partners. Likewise, how players react to missed putts or bad bounces shows emotional control. Staying calm under pressure signals crisis management skills and the ability to handle tough negotiations.
In the course, the game tests decision-making skills. For instance, players may have to choose between hitting a ball directly over the water to reach the green (which is risky) or a safer, alternative route. This scenario mirrors the decision between taking bold risks and adopting conservative approaches in business. Character also shows through respect and sportsmanship. Small gestures, such as congratulating fellow players on good shots, caring for the course, and maintaining a proper pace of play, signal consideration and strong people skills.
Business professionals also use golf to close deals. Real-world cases exist where golf directly influences outcomes. Tim Cook of Apple has strengthened business relationships and fostered collaboration on golf courses. Warren Buffett has, in many instances, taken business partners to play golf when discussing major deals.
About Thomas Keehn
Thomas Keehn is an experienced contractor and business owner with roots in Maryland and current operations in Wilmington, North Carolina. He founded Certified Inc. in Olney, Maryland, achieving No. 1 statewide and No. 13 national rankings for Certainteed Corp. 5 Star warranty submissions. Today he leads Certified Contractors Inc., managing materials, crews, and payroll. A University of Maryland graduate, he is affiliated with groups such as the Better Business Bureau, National Association of Home Builders, and National Roofing Contractors Association. Outside work he enjoys golf, hiking, boating, and international travel.