Swing Through the Fog: What Golf Teaches Us About Grit in Leadership

Golf has always been more than just a game to me. It’s a discipline, a mirror, and—on some days—a humbling reminder that progress is rarely linear. The Golf Digest piece on “Low-Net Grit” resonated with me because it captures a truth I’ve experienced both on the course and in leadership: persistence matters far more than fleeting breakthroughs.

The article describes what many golfers know all too well—the cycle of optimism, crash, doubt, and decision. We feel like we’ve finally figured out our swing (“the Honeymoon Effect”), only to watch it collapse seven holes later. Then comes “The Crash” and “The Fog,” when a few bad shots tempt us to abandon the lesson, drill, or adjustment altogether.

What struck me most is Bhrett McCabe’s reminder that the critical error isn’t failing—it’s quitting too soon. In golf, the “Aha Moment” only comes to those who push through the fog, resist the urge to chase shiny new fixes, and commit to the hard, unglamorous work of persistence.

That’s golf—but it’s also management.

Persistence in Management

Leading a team or organization comes with its own version of the “honeymoon effect.” A new strategy launches, morale surges, and early results look promising. But then the grind sets in. Metrics stall, unforeseen problems emerge, and doubt creeps in. Just like a golfer tempted to change their swing after a single bad round, leaders often pivot too soon—abandoning good ideas before they have time to bear fruit.

Real breakthroughs in management happen when we persist through the fog. Angela Duckworth defines grit as “passion and perseverance for very long-term goals.” In a business context, that means staying committed not just when the rewards are obvious, but also when the middle stretch feels uncertain, repetitive, or unrewarding.

Asking for Help

Another insight from the article is that grit doesn’t mean going it alone. Gritty people seek mentors, coaches, and teammates to help them refine their craft. In golf, that might mean leaning on a coach’s feedback to avoid destructive swing changes. In management, it means seeking outside expertise, listening to advisors, and resisting the myth of the solitary genius leader.

That’s where HumanK1nd Consulting comes in. Just as a golf coach can help you recognize blind spots in your swing, we help leaders and organizations identify what’s holding them back, refine their strategies, and keep moving forward with clarity. We don’t replace your vision—we come alongside you, offering the perspective, tools, and accountability that sustain momentum when things get foggy. Our role is to ensure you don’t abandon promising ideas too soon, but instead see them through to their “Aha Moment.”

What Golf Teaches Leaders

Golf and management share a truth: progress is not a straight line. Success comes not from avoiding setbacks but from persisting through them. The bad shots, like the tough quarters, are not verdicts—they’re invitations to adjust, stay patient, and keep the long game in mind.

When I think about why I love golf, it’s because it keeps teaching me this lesson over and over. Every swing is a chance to test not just skill, but resilience. Every round is a reminder that grit is not glamorous, but it is essential. And every time I push through the fog, I learn something that makes me a better golfer—and a better leader.

Inspired by the article “Low-Net Grit” published by Golf Digest.

If your organization is in the “fog” right now—uncertain about direction, struggling with stalled momentum, or tempted to abandon a promising idea—HumanK1nd Consulting can help you see it through. Reach out today, and let’s build the grit and clarity needed to play the long game well.