Networking on the Greens: How Golf Drives Success in the Australian Insurance Industry

• Even Tuckwell

The Australian insurance industry is a dynamic field where building a solid professional network is crucial for career development and success. As someone who transitioned from the golf industry to insurance, I discovered the power of golf in forging connections and facilitating business. In this article, I will explore the synergy between golf and insurance and how a game of golf provides an ideal environment for building meaningful relationships and driving business growth.

During my seven years in golf, I was introduced to the insurance industry through corporate golf events and developed relationships with current insurance professionals. This eventually led to a position as an SME underwriter and shortly after I joined AIG.

I’m really proud to work for a company committed to promoting gender equality and is as passionate about golf as I am. AIG recently extended its partnership with the R&A as the title sponsor of the AIG Women’s Open until 2030 highlighting its dedication to global issues such as gender equity and gender pay equity. Further to this, AIG Australia has launched Women’s Golf Clinics for staff, recognising the benefit of acquiring or refining a new skill like golf can have in building confidence and broadening professional networks.

I have identified three ways in which playing golf can benefit your insurance career:

1. Where Business Meets Leisure

Playing golf is more than just a game; it provides an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations beyond the sport itself. During a round of golf, people can discuss business matters, build relationships, and gain valuable insights into industry trends. The camaraderie fostered by golf’s shared passion creates a level playing field where genuine relationships can flourish, regardless of job titles or hierarchies.

Insurance is a fast-paced service-based sector that relies on building strong relationships with clients. Golf, on the other hand, offers a more relaxed yet professional environment to connect with clients, brokers, and colleagues while closing crucial deals outside the office. By sealing a deal on the fairway, navigating the complexities of insurance contracts becomes easier.

2. Enhancing Professional Growth Through Golf

Golf is a sport that requires physical and mental fitness. As an insurance professional, I found that we often face high-pressure situations that demand intense concentration. Playing golf can help sharpen these skills through its requirement for precise shot-making and strategic thinking. This can translate to better decision-making and problem-solving in the workplace. It can also reduce stress and promote well-being, making it essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

3. Golf and Business Synergy

Work demands in insurance can be relentless. That’s why scheduled golf outings with clients, colleagues, or industry peers serve as a much-needed break to recharge and return to work with renewed vigour. It can also strengthen professional relationships, fostering trust and loyalty. When clients feel valued beyond transactions, they are more likely to remain loyal and refer others, ultimately driving business growth. Additionally, golf is a sport that thrives on goal setting, which can translate to the insurance profession. 

The intersection of golf and the insurance industry is where business finds its perfect swing. Golf courses offer more than just an opportunity to practice your putt; they are fertile grounds for building connections, establishing trust, and doing business that transcends the confines of the office. So, grab your clubs, embrace the greens, and tee up your success in the Australian insurance industry.