Golf Pro Networking Tips for Insurance Agents: Building Relationships on the Course

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The Hook

Derek Deminski isn't just a golf pro—he's a relationship-building expert who happens to teach people how to swing a club. In this episode, he shares how insurance agents can use golf as a networking tool to build deeper, more authentic client and referral partner relationships. If you've ever wondered whether golf is worth the time investment, Derek makes the case crystal clear.

The Story

Golf isn't just a sport—it's a four-hour trust-building opportunity. Derek walks through how the golf course creates an environment where real conversations happen. There are no phones ringing, no emails pinging, no distractions. Just you, your playing partner, and 18 holes to get to know each other.

But Derek warns against the hard sell. The agents who ruin golf networking are the ones who treat it like a sales call. They pitch their services on the first tee, hand out business cards on the back nine, and wonder why they never get a second invite. Golf networking is about building rapport first and business second.

Derek's advice? Play golf with people you genuinely want to spend time with. Ask questions. Learn about their business, their family, their goals. Be helpful without asking for anything in return. The business will come—but only after trust is built.

He also shares practical tips: How to improve your game so you're not embarrassingly bad. How to join the right clubs and leagues where decision-makers hang out. How to follow up after a round without being pushy. It's not rocket science—it's relationship science.

Knowledge Nugget

Derek's Golf Networking Framework:

1. Join strategic clubs: Look for clubs where your ideal clients and referral partners play
2. Improve your game: You don't need to be a scratch golfer, but you should be competent enough to keep pace
3. Focus on rapport: Spend 90% of the round learning about the other person, 10% talking about yourself
4. Offer value: Share introductions, ideas, or resources without expecting anything in return
5. Follow up thoughtfully: Send a thank-you note, share an article they'd find useful, or invite them to play again
6. Be patient: Relationships built on the course mature slowly but last longer

Golf isn't transactional. It's relational. And relationships built over time are the ones that drive referrals.

What This Means for P&C Agents

Golf isn't for everyone. But if you're looking for a way to build deeper relationships with high-value clients and referral partners, it's one of the most effective tools available. Here's how to start:

• Invest in lessons: Get good enough to enjoy the game and not hold up the course
• Join a league: Consistent exposure builds familiarity and trust
• Invite strategically: Play with CPAs, real estate agents, and business owners who can refer clients
• Keep it fun: Don't turn every round into a sales pitch. Enjoy the game
• Track your network: Follow up with players you click with. Build long-term relationships

The best deals don't happen in conference rooms. They happen on golf courses, over dinner, and in informal settings where trust can form naturally.

Bottom Line

Derek Deminski's golf wisdom boils down to this: People do business with people they like and trust. Golf creates the space for those relationships to form. If you're willing to invest the time and learn the game, golf can become one of your most powerful networking tools.

Listen to the full episode: Episode 44 – Derek Deminski
Subscribe: The Insurance Dudes Podcast
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