In the era of communications devices.

• Author: DuBay, Keith
• Position: Business Golf

MOST BUSINESS GOLFERS have seen this dozens of times: You bring a client to lunch and then a round of golf.

His phone rings often and because he's in the middle of a crisis, he answers every call and makes a few of his own. On more than a few holes, he is yakking on the phone when it's his turn to hit. The others in your group are waiting impatiently for him. Not only that, your group is behind and the players behind you are yelling for you to keep up.

Not only is he talking on his cell phone, he's reviewing documents and charts and exchanging texts and emails. The course marshall drops by and tells you kindly to keep up with the group in front of you, now a couple holes ahead, as if the slow play were your fault. This is an important client, so what are you supposed to do?

Awkwardly hurry him along and risk the relationship?

It continues on the 19th hole after the round over drinks. The phone is still glued to his ear. He even steps outside, leaving you haplessly sitting at the table. The whole thing has been an unmitigated disaster. It wasn't as if you wanted to talk about your deal with him. You just wanted some uninterrupted face time with him. You wanted to use golf to develop a rapport and relationship.

It's getting to the point where communications devices are playing the buzz kill for business golf. James Cooke, a manager for a large auto manufacturer, works closely with dealers and their executives. Most of the time dinner will work better for him than a round of golf, partly because golf is played during the day when communication is heavy.

"These guys don't turn that stuff off. It's more difficult to keep them focused," he said. "Technology has definitely made doing business on the golf course different than it used to be.

A client is connected in so many different ways. Trying to get that guy on a golf course and talk business, it just doesn't work that way anymore. It's purely entertainment and relationship building, but you don't discuss deals."

Scott Beckley, vice president and wealth investment adviser with Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management in Denver, said that despite the digital revolution, there is always...