A friend of mine passed a China Daily article on to me that I just could not pass up mentioning. Evidentally, Chinese government officials are doing more than just inviting investors to a round of golf. That idea is too stale and average, I guess. They have to be different.
So, they will form a golf team. I will have to say I am a little confused. I do not quite understand how that is any better than non-organized groups of government officials inviting investors to some golf. As the magnet on my grandmother's refrigerator so wisely re-stated: "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."
The China Daily article says they have found a "new way to attract foreign investment and strengthen economic ties." So, what is new? I cannot even begin to count the number of big wigs that use golf as the medium of conversation, informal meetings, and relationship building. And how does the team attract foreign investment and economic ties more than not having a team?
Well, I do not really think there are any answers to those questions, unless it be a another excuse for higher level government officials to honor lower level officials, or maybe to test their aptitude in dealing with investors. Anyway, as with many issues in China, I do not think the answers really matter.
But here is the plug in the article: "The team is even considering inviting special golf coaches to train them." So, if any of you out there love golf, know how to teach it, and are looking for a good opportunity to build relationships in China starting at the top, maybe this is it. Or better yet, hire a professional golf instructor to do it for you.
I love golf, but my non-traditional, "grassroots" approach to play does not exactly fit in the more sophisticated halls of green-jacket golf.
