Learning from the Links: Mastering Management Using Lessons from Golf

Golf is often viewed as a perfect metaphor for life, but management strategist and lifelong devotee David Hurst sees an even more profound connection to business. In Learning from the Links, he explores the relationship to explain how a real understanding of the game can ultimately prove beneficial in the workplace. With a true disciple's grasp of the physical and mental intricacies involved in playing any round, and an experienced consultant's eye toward the physical and mental intricacies involved in leading any corporation, Hurst offers a unique look at the "complex systems" in both activities and the consequences of adapting knowledge from one to improve performance in the other. "Golf," he writes, "is a replica of the systemic way in which we may exercise control over the trajectories of our own lives as well as those of our organizations." In 18 chapters designed to roughly mirror the play on a regulation course, he lays out a provocative theory for turning this notion into action with the help of graphic anecdotes from golf, germane examples from business, and compelling findings from experts in such disparate fields as homeostasis and artificial intelligence. Perhaps only a passionate golfer can really appreciate his evocative descriptions of holes like the spectacular par-4 18th at Harbor Town on Hilton Head, but anyone should find it worth the time to spend a round pondering Hurst's thoughtful concepts and their implications. --Howard Rothman