In efforts to break the proverbial "glass ceiling" of women in the workplace, the game of golf can be a valuable resource. Golf can provide women with opportunities to network, make deals, recruit new clients, and build rapport with colleagues and associates in a fun, healthy atmosphere.

In previous generations, opportunities for women in golf- as in business- were fairly limited. Many country clubs refused to admit any female members, and even public courses restricted the ability of female enthusiasts to play. Golf had become primarily a "man's game." But with expanding interest in the sport among women (particularly in professional golf through the LPGA tour), as well as a reduction in the number of misogynistic barriers preventing their participation, golf has opened it's doors to a whole new demographic. As a result, tens of of thousands of women have been welcomed as the latest newcomers to the sport. And with their newfound interest comes opportunity. More than just a hobby, golf has evolved into an important component of the business world. The ability to partake in a round on the links can be surprisingly productive.

In fact, many surveys of CEOs and CFOs of America's top companies have shown that a significant amount of business- and very lucrative business at that- is executed on the golf course. Donald Trump, an avid golfer n his own rite, admits to using the golf course as a way to build new relationships and lock down new deals.

By way of an example, a young woman I know was hired by a successful industrial supply company. Nearly all of the company's senior employees were men, most of whom played golf fairly regularly with prospective clients. Virtually none of the younger crop of employees, however, played the sport. Seeing her opportunity, the woman took up golf, and became a rather good player. She soon found herself being invited on outings with upper-level management. She formed valuable relationships and learned from some of the best employees of the company, and quickly began to rise through the ranks, leaving many of her non-golfing co-workers- male and female alike- behind. In all fairness, it probably helped that she beat all those old men up and down the fairways.

Conversely, I knew another non-golfing woman who worked at a medical supply company with mostly men. Because many of the doctors with whom the company dealt insisted on conducting business meetings on the golf course. Because her other coworkers did play golf, she often found herself excluded from important sales meetings out on the links.

Today, young women are seriously encouraged to consider taking up the game of golf, not only for the fun and healthy benefits of the active lifestyle, but for opportunities in the workplace. Additionally, men in business should be encouraged to reach out to some of their female colleagues when planning golf excursions with potential partners or clients.