A few ways to go about these negotiations are taught in a seminar called "Business Golf 101" by Hilary Bruggen:

"If someone's about to tee off, the chances of a brilliant shot are very low," Bruggen says. So keep your eye on that person's ball, so you know exactly where it lands. When you find the ball for them, "people are relieved, and they see you as someone who's on top of things, who pays attention to detail."

"If you happen to hit a longer, straighter ball than the person you're playing with (especially if that person is your boss), say something nice about an earlier shot of his or hers, if you can. "Take the focus off your game and keep it on theirs," she says.

unless directly and specifically asked for it.

Don't force a discussion of business topics on the golf course. "Save it for the '19th hole,' that is, the clubhouse bar," says Bruggen. Why? "Someone who is playing well, who is 'in the zone', doesn't want to be distracted by business talk," she explains. "And someone who is playing badly needs to concentrate. He or she doesn't want to be distracted either."

If you take a lousy shot, don't whine about it. Just move on.

At some companies, playing golf is a key to reaching the executive suite. Golf isn’t the only game that’s really being played so be prepared. You may want to know at least 2 good golf jokes, carry windproof lighter, cigar cutter, tees, divot repair tool, ball markers, perhaps some bandaids to win some friends by being properly equipped.

If the golf outing is about a deal, wait till about halfway through the first nine before broaching the subject about the reason they are out with you. Don't take the game seriously, unless they are and follow up the game with a meal or drinks to talk about the day. Naturally, stay in contact.

Success in business (and in life) is about building and growing great relationships. And golf is just one way to do that. People who don't play golf are "choosing to neglect the best business development there is" said Bruggen

Of 401 executives surveyed for a Starwood Hotels study in 2002, 92 percent said golf is "a good way to make new business contacts," while 97 percent said that golfing with a business associate "is a good way to establish a close relationship." Forty-three percent of executives said some of their biggest business deals were made on golf courses.

Golf has long been a pursuit of the business elite and is use to recruit, to test the mettle of potential partners and to a broader extent cement business deals.