I used to play squash until 2002 when I assumed the position of GM, External Affairs for ExxonMobil and had a casual conversation with one Larry Saltz, who was the Production Manager. He asked what my hobbies were, and when I finished mentioning them, he quipped I’d I’ve ever heard of golf. He was an avid player and told me this was a sport that will help me in my job…from meeting opinion leaders to mental wellness. And he was right.

Over the years, I’ve used golf to manage workplace challenges as every ‘obstacle’ on the golf course represents daily tasks and frustrations that we encounter…from traffic on the road to a hostile receptionist, to people issues that were not in the books and when confronted throws you off balance, etc. Whenever in such a situation, and trust me I faced a lot while working, my mind will immediately go to the various obstacles deliberately placed on your way on a golf course…from a tree that blocks your view of the green, to a bunker that makes it difficult to get a ball out or even water hazard. Sometimes it may include an irritating player you must endure for about 5 hours of play.

You learn a lot going through such experiences because in golf, no one assists you get out of these difficulties. You manage the challenges alone. You are expected to find ways and means within the rules to navigate through such a problem and come out successfully. That is why hold is called “the game of life”. And it has affected positively my life’s disposition as I am not easily bothered about challenges but often see them as what must be mitigated.

While I am a member of Ikoyi Ibom golf clubs, I really enjoy playing at Ibom, not because it is in Akwa Ibom state but honestly, it’s one of the finest courses in the world.