David Kolb’s experiential learning theory reminds us that real growth happens through experience, reflection, and experimentation. It’s a cycle that’s at the heart of what I do when I coach leaders on the golf course.
Every round of golf is an opportunity to engage in Kolb’s learning cycle. A missed shot or a well-executed swing both offer rich material for reflection. During our sessions, I encourage leaders to reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and how they can apply these lessons to their leadership roles.
Golf forces you to be adaptable. The conditions change, your performance fluctuates, and nothing ever goes perfectly to plan. This mirrors the world of leadership, where adaptability and the willingness to learn from experience are key to success. The course is a place where leaders can experiment, make mistakes, and—crucially—learn. And that’s where transformation begins.
