There’s a reason so many business conversations happen on the golf course. Beyond the quiet greens and long walks between holes, golf has a way of revealing character. It tests your focus, your attitude, and your ability to adapt.
Just like the DISC model.
In my years of coaching and consulting, I’ve seen how these four behavioural styles show up not only in the boardroom or in communication breakdowns. They also show up in the way we tee off, handle setbacks, and carry ourselves from the first hole to the 18th.
Let’s take a walk.
You are the Bag: Each DISC trait is a club in your arsenal
In life, just like in golf, I believe you are the bag. You come in different shapes, sizes, and colours, and you carry with you all the tools (talents) you need to perform.
Meanwhile, your DISC personality traits are your clubs.
You may lead with one or two personality styles, but you have access to all four. Just like a golf bag holds a full set of clubs, you’ve got a full range of traits at your disposal (meaning you’re not exclusively a D style, or an I, or S, or C).
Each club has a purpose, a moment, and a message. Use the right club at the right time, and you’re playing like a pro. Misuse the tools, or let them dominate the game, and you’ll find yourself in the rough.
Every golfer knows you don’t pull out your driver on the green. Nor do you putt from the tee box. Just so, you shouldn’t navigate every situation with the same behavioral swing.
Let’s dig into the bag and see which DISC trait handles what shot.
The Driver: Your Direct (D) trait
Just like your driver sets the tone for the hole, you can lean into your Direct trait to kick off conversations, make bold moves, and lead with momentum.
When it’s under control: You’re strategic, confident, and launch the game with power. In golf, a clean 300-yard drive lands you in scoring position.
In business, this means you take bold actions, set the pace, and lead your team into success.
When it’s out of control: You rush the swing. You hook or slice. That overdrive’s the ball into the trees. That’s what happens when your D trait leads you to exert too much power with poor direction.
In business, this happens when you’re too forceful, or you don’t actively listen to what your teammates or clients are saying. Don’t bulldoze relationships. Cliche as it sounds, there is no “i” in team.
The Sand Wedge: Your Inspiring (I) trait
The sand wedge is flashy, entertaining, and a lifesaver when used right. It’s a high-risk, high-reward club. In the same way, embracing your Inspiring trait is about charisma, creativity, and fun – especially under pressure.
When it’s under control: You’re in the sand, the pressure’s on, and you lift that ball with flair, landing it gracefully on the green. Everyone cheers. Your I trait shines with positive energy when it matters most.
In business, this translates to sparking creativity and optimism, rallying people, and making tough moments lighter.
When it’s out of control: You swing too hard. You miss the ball or worse, dig deeper into the bunker. Now you’re entertaining, but in all the wrong ways.
In business, yes, spark connections, but don’t overdo it. Charm needs purpose.
The Putter: Your Supportive (S) trait
The putter is a subtle, predictable, but crucial club that can finish what you started. In a similar vein, your Supportive trait could be the steady hand that closes deals, nurtures relationships, and brings everything home.
When it’s under control: Smooth stroke. Clear line. Right speed. You drop the ball in for par.
In business, this means you build trust, listen deeply, and tie up loose ends others overlook.
When it’s out of control: You hesitate, worry and overthink, so you come up short or overshoot completely. Suddenly, that simple 2-footer becomes a double bogey.
In business, your fear of conflict or change can trap you into silence or indecision. Instead, use your S trait to follow through and create steadiness.
The Irons: Your Cautious (C) trait
The irons are tools of precision, designed for specific shots. Like a well-chosen 7-iron, your Cautious trait is about analysis, preparation, and accuracy.
When it’s under control: You assess distance. Swing smart. Your shot lands on the fairway or gets you back into play with minimal risk.
In business, this shows up as you asking intelligent questions, planning ahead, avoiding unnecessary risks, and delivering value with precision.
When it’s out of control: You freeze. You second-guess. Suddenly, your calculated swing sends the ball off-target, and now you’re in deeper trouble.
In business, be aware of analysis paralysis. Details can drown out action. Your C trait craves perfection, but be careful not to let it cost you progress.
Networking on the golf course: Where business and behaviour meet
Here’s where it all comes together: Golf isn’t just a metaphor. It’s a stage where business and behaviour intersect.
What truly determines whether that 18-hole round leads to a closed deal or a missed opportunity all comes down to one thing: your ability to connect and build effective relationships with the people you’re golfing with.
Your clients, business partners, or team members all have different ways of communicating. If you understand that from the lens of the DISC model of human behaviour, you can lead teams more efficiently and close deals more effectively.
Let’s see how:
The Direct (D) golfer: The power driver
Style on the course: The Direct player steps onto the tee box like a CEO walking into the boardroom – decisive, confident, and with one goal: win. They drive aggressively, play fast, and don’t overanalyze their swing. If something goes wrong, they move on quickly, recalibrate, and take the next shot with the same intensity.
In business: D styles take bold risks and make tough decisions quickly. Time is money. They want results, not small talk. Show how your solution solves problems or accelerates performance.
In the workplace: D personas are natural leaders who thrive in competitive environments. Respect their need for autonomy and results, and stay out of their way when they’re in “go mode.”
The Inspiring (I) golfer: The social swinger
Style on the course: The Inspiring golfer is there for the experience. They bring the jokes and the energy. Their game might be inconsistent, yet their attitude is magnetic. They’d rather chat about life than obsess over scorecards, and they might forget a rule or two, but never your name.
In business: I styles are enthusiastic connectors who need engaging stories and recognition. Be fun and memorable. Celebrate wins big or small. Highlight how working with you will be impactful.
In the workplace: I personas naturally excel in sales, marketing, and public-facing roles. Make things fun, give them space to be creative, and don’t overload them with detail.
The Supportive (S) golfer: The reliable teammate
Style on the course: The Supportive player is reliable, patient, and respectful of etiquette. They help others find their balls, make others feel comfortable, and rarely rush. They care more about the relationships than the rankings, and they often play better in a team format like best-ball or scramble.
In business: S styles are loyal and patient, valuing sincerity and harmony in partnerships. Build trust slowly. Show them how your relationship will bring long-term benefit and peace of mind. Avoid pressure tactics.
In the workplace: S personas are stable, team-first contributors who value consistency. Provide them with clear expectations, show appreciation, and avoid sudden changes without context.
The Cautious (C) golfer: The strategic analyst
Style on the course: The Cautious golfer plays with purpose and precision. Every shot is premeditated, every club chosen for a reason. They keep detailed stats, review their rounds afterward, and are often the rule-keepers.
In business: C styles value accuracy and clarity. Come prepared with facts and data, be thorough, and give them time to evaluate. Avoid rushing their decision.
In the workplace: C personas are process-driven, detail-oriented professionals who excel at quality control, finance, engineering, and systems. Give them time to analyze, present data logically, and never “wing it.”
Business and golf: It’s all about relationship management.
Here’s the truth: the round doesn’t end when the scorecard does.
The real game is happening in your conversations, your chemistry, and your connection with the people you’re golfing with. Whether it’s a client, a team member, or a potential partner, your ability to read and relate to others will always be your biggest competitive edge.
Want to keep building your communication edge? Read how DISC helped me decode behaviour in high-stakes environments – and how it can help you too.
Next time you tee up, ask:
- Am I using the right trait for this moment?
- Am I playing to win, or playing to connect?
- What’s the next best shot, not the perfect one?
Because in golf and in life, you don’t need every swing to be perfect. You just need to know who you are, use the right tools, and trust the game.
Final thoughts
Golf, much like the DISC model of human behaviour, is a game of strategy, discipline, and emotional control. Success depends not only on the clubs you choose but on how well you understand your environment, manage your mindset, and adapt your approach.
Whether you’re on the course or in a client meeting, people do business with a person they know, like, and trust. DISC helps you understand yourself – and read others – so you can adapt your approach and build real rapport.
So go ahead, pick your club (or rather, embrace your style) because the course is calling, and it’s time to play your best game.
If this article resonated with you, here’s your next step:
Take the DISC Personality Assessment to discover your personal “club set” and learn how to use each trait with precision in your work and relationships.
Or, join us in our next free webinar! Each month, we host an online session where I walk through real-world ways to apply the DISC model in business, leadership, and life. It’s practical, insightful, and interactive.
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DISC, MBTI, Big Five, and More: Finding the Best Personality Framework for Your Goals
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