The Origins of FOF Golf
In the summer of 2024, a friend who had once lived in Scotland but had returned to Australia reached out with an intriguing request. He asked if I could organise and play golf with three of his friends from Australia who were touring the United Kingdom. These travellers were using their network of friends to meet new people and access golf clubs during their journey. It was a clever way to reduce costs on what could have been a very pricey trip whilst making new friendship. From this experience, the idea of “Friends of Friends” (FOF) Golf as a concept started to take shape.
An Accidental Realisation
While participating in a biennial golf match in September 2024—an intense rivalry between a group of American and European friends (not unlike the Ryder Cup)—I encountered an American friend whom I had first met two years earlier. During our conversation, he mentioned that he had been in Scotland the previous month, playing golf with his wife.
When I asked where he had been, he replied, “I’ve been in East Lothian. I stayed in Gullane and played Gullane, North Berwick, and so on.” To his astonishment, I informed him that I lived in Gullane, just a drive and a mid iron from the hotel where he had stayed. He had mistakenly thought I lived in central Scotland. This interaction highlighted the missed potential of using existing friend connections within a specific area. It cemented the belief that FOF Golf could succeed as a concept.
The Ethos of FOF Golf
At its heart, FOF Golf celebrates the art of human connection. The essence of the concept is simple yet profound: the art of good business and friendship lies in being an excellent middleman. This principle translates beautifully to golf. When a friend asks for an introduction to another friend for a game, the decision to facilitate that connection relies on sound judgment.
As the intermediary, you understand the personalities of your friends and can gauge whether they are likely to get along. This thoughtful approach ensures that connections are meaningful and enjoyable, avoiding the risk of being overwhelmed with unsolicited requests. At FOF Golf, the focus is on creating networks that foster not just games of golf but also genuine camaraderie and memorable experiences.