Summer is almost here, and for many golfers, that means chasing improvement—often in the form of new equipment, always searching for a few extra yards.
The choice is graphite or steel shafts. Steel tends to be favored by younger, more physically fit players. But as age starts to chip away at distance, graphite becomes a compelling alternative. Without boring you, graphite is more flexible and generates more hitting power, resulting in greater yardage.
So, what does any of this have to do with business and life? Everything. It has to do with embracing change, understanding alternatives and always looking for ways to improve.
In the world of golf, selecting between graphite and steel shafts is more than a matter of preference—it’s a reflection of a player’s evolving needs, strengths, and strategy. Interestingly, this choice mirrors the decisions businesses face as they mature and grow.
New golfers often gravitate toward graphite. Lighter, more flexible, and forgiving on unsuccessful hits, graphite clubs help players build confidence and find their rhythm. Similarly, young businesses benefit from flexible, adaptable strategies. Startups and emerging companies thrive when they adopt tools, systems and approaches that offer agility. Early-stage ventures need the freedom to pivot quickly, test new ideas, and adjust direction without the rigidity of fixed processes.
As golfers improve, many transition to steel shafts, seeking added control, consistency, and precision. While it may be less forgiving, it rewards players with reliable performance, especially for those with refined skills. In parallel, maturing businesses require greater structure. As customer bases grow and operations expand, the casual, experimental methods of the startup phase give way to more defined processes, reliable systems, and consistent decision-making frameworks. Efficiency, data-driven choices, and operational control become crucial.
Interestingly, many golfers opt for a combination—steel irons for control and graphite woods for distance. Savvy businesses often make similar blended decisions. A mature company might retain the flexibility of a startup in product innovation while enforcing steel-like rigor in financials and logistics. The ability to balance speed with stability is a hallmark of sustainable growth.
Just as seasoned golfers might return to graphite shafts to reduce strain and maintain distance as they age, mature businesses need to reevaluate their structures. Market disruptions, new technologies, or shifts in consumer expectations can make rigid, steel-like operations a liability. Revisiting flexibility—through innovation labs, agile project teams, or experimental marketing—can help established companies stay competitive.
In both golfing and business, leaders must periodically reassess their equipment and strategies. The tools that serve well at one stage might hinder progress at another. Understanding when to prioritize flexibility over control, and when to blend both, is key to long-term success. Whether on the fairway or in the boardroom, growth is about adapting your tools to fit your current game.
Greg Demetriou is the owner/CEO of Lorraine Gregory Communications in Edgewood.