By 19th Hole Staff | Jan. 12, 2018
Back-9 Boardroom Team at Parkland Country Club: Brian Adams, Miguel Rivera, Elisa Gaudet, Steve Lyga, Cindy Metzler, Mike O’Neill
When entrepreneur and recreational golfer Steve Lyga first began golfing with business colleagues he always knew it was a great way to get to know each other and forge long-term friendships. What he didn’t know was that his personal passion would one day spawn his eighth successful startup.
“Building relationships and closing deals on the golf course is an age-old tradition,” said Steve Lyga, Founder, and CEO of Back-9 Boardroom. “But what we’re doing is pioneering a unique experience by building a community of business professionals who are looking to step up their game––in business and in golf.”
According to National Golf Foundation, golf rounds are down 1.2%. Several factors including, baby boomers having to extend their careers to support retirement, millennials not connecting to the game like their predecessors, and the absence of the next generation’s Tiger Woods––an indisputable golf phenomenon who energized the game and bridged the gap in age, ethnicity, and socio-economic status.
On the flip side, demand for golf from aspiring golfers is rising. According to NGF, non-golfers interested in playing golf represents 12.8 million Americans, double what it was five years ago.
“South Florida is the number one golf economy, and Back-9 Boardroom affords me an opportunity to play more golf at premiere clubs while helping build beneficial relationships,” said founding member and entrepreneur Howard Silver, Vice President at Ameriprise. “Networking with key decision-makers on and off the golf course opens new doors for business––that’s a clear win for our organization and my golf game!”
Networking on and off the golf course opens new doors for business | Image courtesy of Cmerge.com
According to The PGA of America, nearly 60% of business golfers have closed a deal on the golf course.
Membership is invitation-only and consists of a complete golf and business experience each month at premier golf clubs. It is open to decision-makers across more than 100 industry specialties. Members conduct high-level networking before, during and after golf. During a Back-9 Boardroom event at Jupiter County Club author Steve Nudelberg was the featured keynote speaker. Nudelberg recently launched his first book “Confessions of a Serial Salesman. Nudelberg will also be on Back-9 Boardroom’s ESPN monthly radio show.
Back-9 Boardroom partners with a different charity each month, such as The First Tee, PGA Hope, and Cystic Fibrosis.
“Our members, the economy, and the golf industry are benefiting,” says Steve Lyga. “Not only are we helping each of our members grow their business, but our organization is bringing new golfers to the game, new business to golf courses, all the while helping to facilitate business growth throughout South Florida.”
