As someone who’s lucky enough to give keynote speeches around the world, I’ve had the joy of visiting some truly iconic places. But when I got the call to speak at a corporate conference at The Belfry, my inner golf fan nearly dropped his putter.
Add to that the charming invitation from Jonathan Wernick, CEO of The Wernick Group – a company that builds modular buildings and temporary space solutions across the UK – and it was a no-brainer. Count me in.
Now, for those of you reading this for the golf rather than the guff, let me set the scene…
The Belfry: Not Just a Golf Course, a Church of Champions
The Belfry isn’t just turf. It’s European Ryder Cup folklore. This is where Europe finally shook off decades of American dominance, where pressure cooked, legends formed, and – most importantly – where communication under fire made the difference between a win and a water hazard.
And let’s face it, the Ryder Cup is less about golf technique and more about psychology: team dynamics, leadership, belief, timing… dare I say it – humour under pressure.
Sound familiar? That’s the same brew that keeps businesses booming (or not).
Communication Lessons from the Ryder Cup
1985 – Changing the Narrative
Europe hadn’t won in 28 years. But on these very greens, they flipped the script with clever strategy and belief.
Business parallel: If your company’s message has been stuck in a bunker for years, maybe it’s time to rethink the narrative. Communication isn’t just what you say – it’s what you dare to believe.
1989 – The 2-Iron Heard Round the World
With the Cup hanging in the balance, Irish legend Christy O’Connor Jr. hit a 229-yard 2-iron onto the 18th green – beating Fred Couples and etching his name into history.
Business parallel: Under pressure, one well-timed comment, pitch, or joke can change the entire dynamic. That 2-iron? It’s your one-liner that lands the deal, wins the room, or saves the board meeting.
2002 – Celebrate Like McGinley
Paul McGinley sank a putt that won the Ryder Cup… and promptly jumped into the lake.
Business parallel: When you win – whether it’s a new client or a team breakthrough – mark the moment. Celebration is communication too.
Wernick: From Chicken Crates to Construction Kings
Let’s give credit where it’s due. Wernick started in 1934 – literally building with old chicken crates. Fast forward to today: they’re the UK’s largest independent modular building supplier, with 900+ employees and a clear mission to build the future (temporarily, but brilliantly).
And under the leadership of Jonathan Wernick and his father David, they’re not just building portable cabins – they’re building culture, agility, and a future-ready workforce.
I couldn’t think of a better metaphor than The Belfry for a company like Wernick – steeped in history, fuelled by precision, and quietly reinventing how the game is played.
Humourology’s 3 Takeaways for Leaders
Change the club, change the game ⛳
Don’t just keep swinging the same story. Great communication is strategic – like choosing the right club for the moment. (Hint: humour often beats a hammer.)
Deliver the 2-iron moment 😉
Under pressure, it’s not about saying more – it’s about saying just enough with clarity, courage, and maybe a wink.
Make a splash 🥳
Celebrate publicly. A well-timed laugh, a team shout-out, or a celebratory cannonball into the metaphorical lake creates culture – and culture drives results.
Final thoughts from the fairway
And if you’re still reading this hoping for golf tips, here’s mine: in both business and golf, it’s not how hard you swing – it’s how well you communicate where it’s going.
So next time you’re pitching a client or pitching out of the rough, remember: timing, tone, and a touch of humour can lower your handicap in both.
Now go forth, lead well – and try not to slice your messaging.
See you next Tuesday.
Warmest,
Paul x
