Folks, you will probably never be that good. The average recreational and golfer plays a full 17 strokes over par in a typical round according to the US Golf Association. And keep this in mind: that's someone who plays often enough to record their scores for calculation for handicapping . Secondly, another statistic jumps out - 98% of all amateur players will never break par for a round of 18 holes.

That's not many, is it? With those statistics in mind, it's fair to say "playing golf well is very difficult." Well, yes, obviously. So why do people play a sport that they will probably never excel in? Because it is an enjoyable leisure activity. In other words, it is fun.

For beginners, I always tell them the same thing: if you want to play, go see a professional and get a lesson or two on the basics. Start right with a good coach. Then, practice enough to where you feel competent enough to hit the ball every time in the direction you want it to go most of the time. Then go and play.

Other golfers usually won't care how good or bad you are, given that minimal competence I suggest - so long as you are pleasant and you keep up with the rest of your group. That means don't take the game too seriously and don't let its frustrations get the better of you. Trust me, if Tiger Woods can get frustrated enough to slam clubs and curse, you will too. Biting your tongue and laughing at your inevitable foibles is the key here. It's a game, right? Secondly, keeping up with your group means not holding everyone up. If you hit a ball in the woods and can't find it after a minute or two, throw one down on the edge of the trees and hit it from there. If you've done this two or three times on the same hole, pick up your ball, put it in your pocket and tell your group that's what you are doing.

They will appreciate this, and you'll have more fun.

The final piece of advice about business golf is this: even though it is work, the game is fun. Have fun playing, and enjoy not being in an office or a conference room. Don't worry about your score. That's not the point of the day. The business relationships are.

Now for the golfers, keep up with your connections, just think about how to touch the poor non-golfers like Keith and me

To me, consistency is key. I you want to golf, learn the game so you're a semi-competent player and respectful playing partner; however, if you don't feel that learning golf is worth your time clearly communicate that feeling in a way that says, "I choose not to golf, but would like to build a relationship with you" instead of "I don't golf and don't like people who do."

So....don't wait any longer.......

Deana Murphy