An Insight Into A&Z’s 9th Annual Golf Tournament

Integrity, determination, honesty, patience, and skill. All of these attributes are irreplaceable when it comes to a quality, well-functioning law firm. They are also all necessary, however, when engaged in the game of golf. Golf demands that you stay alert and prepared for any situation which may arise, and much like the happenings of a law firm, will provide consequences when you are not.

The 9th A&Z Annual Golf Tournament was again underway with tee-off at 12pm on Saturday, 26th  November 2016, at ‘Lake Malaren’ Golf Resort, home of the Shanghai Masters tournament which is also held annually. Although similar to the Masters in terms of the quality of the event and persons taking part, the event hosted by A&Z also differed in many respects. Clients - the majority of whom reside in China and Japan - showed up to the event, not only to show their skill in the game, but to emphasize their support for the firm. Of the clients who came, 40 opted to participate in the 18-hole event, and while of course there could be only one winner; everyone who took part felt a sense of accomplishment when engaging in conversation at the banquet dinner which ensued.

Golf has been compared to many things, but rarely is it compared to a law firm. However, this is striking as many similarities can be drawn. The object, much like that of finding an efficient solution to a client’s problem, is to transport the ball from the tee to the hole in as few swings as possible. Golf clubs, much like rules and regulations, are the instruments through which the ‘solution’ is brought about, and various clubs exist for bunker shots, high chips, and the numerous different problematic situations which might present themselves to the lawyer in their search for a resolution.

Golf may be seen as an independent game, one which does not require outside influence - much like hard-headed lawyers who need undertake independent research in realising their goals. Yet golf also requires cooperation, professionalism, and passion, attributes which constitute A&Z’s core values. The event gave way to a key insight into what sets A&Z apart from other law firms, not just in terms of its internal structure, but in terms of its professional relationship with clients. Where A&Z might be seen to differ from conventional golf is through its family-value structure where individuals are considered useless without the support of the numerous other high and low levelled employees who undertake all tasks from A to Z in keeping the firm at optimum efficiency. As such, clients of the firm who are considered more as ‘friends’, enjoyed the event, during which prizes were distributed and great entertainment complimented delicious food.  

Although golf is conventionally viewed as a solitary game, much like legal work, there are various other persons in golf such as fellow participants, caddies, and supporters, the likes of which could persuade one to adopt the view that golf is in fact a team game - much like a legal environment in terms of fellow attorneys, legal researchers, and clients. Influence in terms of clubs to use, routes to pursue and morale gained through support can improve one’s game, while the failure to listen to outside opinion may be detrimental to an individual.

Integrity, determination, honesty, patience, and skill are the reasons pursuant to which clients choose A&Z. However, if the annual golf tournament has taught us anything, it is that the reason clients stay is because, along with these virtues, family and friendship were added, and support in a solitary game was created. A&Z adheres to the principle that, much like the game of golf, if you decide not to listen and do things your own way, you may just end up adding a few extra swings to your score card.