Planning for the long game: what golf can teach us about financial planning
Financial planning and golf have more in common than you might expect. Here, we explore how golf’s principles, such as course management, preparation and resilience, can inform effective financial planning. With insights from some of our planners, we look at how strategy and thoughtful planning matter for both your finances and your golf game.
Duration: 3 Mins
Date: 08 Oct 2025
Linking golf and financial planning might sound like an excuse for a relaxing afternoon on the course, but the two have more in common than you might think. Golf, a sport rich in heritage, skill, and strategy, offers valuable lessons that can help shape a thoughtful and resilient financial plan.
The lessons that can be learned on the course have proven useful for thinking about financial planning and helped illustrate some key concepts for his clients. Here we discuss some of those, with some personal insights from some members of our team who are golf enthusiasts.
Course management for optimal outcomes.
Playing a good game of golf requires thoughtful planning and strategising. Just whacking the ball won’t lead you to victory! Course management is an important part of trying to score well, even when you aren’t playing at your best. It’s the process whereby you plan and execute your shots for the best chance of success, try to minimise risks, and control your play, all by taking into account factors like the layout of the course, weather conditions, and your own strengths and weaknesses.
In financial planning, the same principle applies. A well-constructed plan is often less about aiming for perfection, but for meeting your top priorities and resilience. Understanding your environment and how this impacts your plan, assessing your risk tolerance, and any specific problems or challenges you might face in achieving your long term goals. By working with your planner, they can help you take these factors into account, and find the best course for you and your financial plan.
“In golf, the flag can sometimes be cut in a really tough position on the green - tucked behind a bunker or close to water. Sometimes the smart play is to aim for the centre of the green rather than chasing a risky target. In investing, markets present similar choices - you don’t always need to chase the “perfect return” if it exposes you to unnecessary hazards.”
Gavin Park, Senior Planner
Don’t panic if the weather turns.
Every golfer has woken up looking forward to a round of golf, only to open the curtains and find that the weather has other plans. The wind howls, the rain pours, and a round of golf is off the cards. Whilst it is always disappointing, seasoned players know that the sun will shine again, and they are best to wait it out rather than fight against the elements.
Financial markets can behave in much the same way. Volatility is something of an inevitable challenge that must be faced at some time, however, reacting emotionally can lead to poor decisions. A sound financial plan is built to withstand downturns, and much like a period of bad weather, it is often better to try to wait it out. Like a storm, these periods can be unpleasant, but trying not to panic is imperative. Reaching out to your planner in turbulent times can help provide perspective and allow you to stay calm while you wait for brighter days.
Using the right tools for the job
Golfers carry a full set of clubs for a reason: each one serves a specific purpose depending on where the ball lands and the player’s ability and experience. Choosing the right club is part of the strategy.
“You wouldn’t use the same club for every shot. Similarly, in financial planning you use different tools - pensions, ISAs, cash savings - for different purposes.”
David Stroomer, Chartered Financial Planner
Knowing which tool to use when, and how, is key to tailoring your financial plan to your individual circumstances. What is right for someone else might be the wrong tool for you, but working with your planner can ensure you have access to the best set of tools for your plan.
Managing stress and staying calm
Even the best golfers can have off days and make mistakes. Whether they have miscalculated shot, or a sudden change in the weather caused things to go awry, things don’t always go to plan. What separates a good round from a bad one is often how a player responds. Dwelling on errors can derail the rest of the game, but staying calm and focused allows for recovery and progress.
“Every golfer ends up in the rough or behind a tree now and then. The key is knowing how to get back in play without compounding mistakes - the focus should be on recovering sensibly, not trying to “win it all back” in one shot.”
Andrew Dickson, Chartered Financial Planner
In finance, challenging circumstances can also arise. Whether it’s an unexpected expense, or a change in tax legislation, things can change and knock your plan slightly off course. The key is not to panic. With the right mindset, and the support of your financial planner, clients can learn from setbacks and move forward with confidence.
Conclusion
Golf teaches us that success comes from preparation, adaptability, and knowing when to take a calculated risk. These same qualities are at the heart of good financial planning. Whether you’re teeing off for the first time or refining your swing, working with a financial planner can help you navigate the course ahead with clarity, confidence, and a plan built for the long game.
This article is designed to provide you with information only. It is not designed to provide you with financial advice. Please seek financial advice if you are still unsure about your options. There may be a charge for this. Remember, tax treatment depends on your individual circumstances and may be subject to change in the future. And the value of investments can go down as well as up, and could be worth less than what was paid in. This information is based on our understanding in September 2025. Aberdeen is not responsible for the information, accuracy and views of external sources.
