Driving Connections: Isenberg Students Hit the Links with Dean Massey

Women in Business Members Learn the Power of ‘Golf Networking’

Invented in 15th-century Scotland, golf didn’t become a business sport until the mid-20th century, during the rise of post-World War II corporate America. Executives seeking social spaces outside the boardroom mingled in country clubs, and golf proved ideal for building professional relationships and landing business deals.

Earlier this semester, 27 UMass Amherst students belonging to the Isenberg Women in Business (WiB) student organization learned just that (and more) at WiB’s second Golf Networking Trip Sept. 26, 2025, at Amherst Golf Club. The event combined skill-building with mentorship, and the students learned the basics of golf etiquette and technique while connecting with peers, faculty, staff, and alumni in a casual, empowering environment.

Before they hit the green, however, the students reviewed in a classroom with Bird Golf Academy professionals the basics of golf and networking, and why blending the two is relevant in the business world. Once at Amherst Golf Club, students practiced putting, chipping, and driving before putting their skills into action on the course.

“Golf is about so much more than the game,” pointed out Isenberg Dean Anne P. Massey, PhD, who has enjoyed the sport for several years. “It’s about creating an environment where trust, camaraderie, and professional opportunities can grow. From a business perspective, playing golf offers a fun environment for extended conversations, team building, and developing relationships with colleagues and clients. You don’t have to be a great player, but golf can be viewed as another ‘tool in the toolbox’ for business professionals. To that end, I wish to thank one of our own graduates, James Buonomo ’74, ’76MBA, for generously helping to sponsor this event.”

WiB Celebrates Two Decades

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, WiB connects students to support each other professionally and personally as they navigate through college and prepare for a successful career post-graduation. One of this year’s co-presidents, Grace Buehler, a senior hospitality and tourism management (HTM) major, helped to plan the first Isenberg Women in Business Golf Networking Trip in April 2025. (A third golf outing will take place in April 2026.)

“I’m incredibly proud to have played a part in launching what I hope becomes a lasting tradition,” said Buehler. “Working with seasoned golf professionals and instructors in a supportive and judgment-free environment helped me feel empowered rather than nervous. Being surrounded by other WiB members, female professors, faculty, and staff from Isenberg, as well as the golf pros from Amherst Golf Club, made the experience even more encouraging and memorable. I had such an amazing time and formed stronger connections with so many people. I’m incredibly grateful to Dean Massey for helping us make this happen, and I can’t wait to get back on the course.”

Emma Siegel, a sophomore marketing major, noted how the experience encouraged students to explore how golf can be a valuable tool for building connections.

“Throughout the day, I had the chance to network with alumni, professors, and faculty—gaining insights into communication, both on and off the course,” she said. “This event was an incredible way to strengthen my professional skills while connecting with inspiring members of the Isenberg community.”

Noalani Perez, a sophomore marketing and HTM major, said: “I never imagined myself picking up a golf club, let alone enjoying it, but the WiB golf event completely changed that. From the moment I arrived, everyone was so supportive and encouraging, which made trying something new feel exciting instead of intimidating. I had so much fun learning the basics and connecting with other amazing Women in Business members. Since then, I’ve fallen in love with golf and have been going to the driving range almost every day. It’s become something I genuinely look forward to and want to keep improving at.”

Grace Canzano graduated in May 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in hospitality and tourism management. She attended the first WiB golf outing this past spring and said the skills she learned from it have already helped her in her young career as a dining room manager at Talisker Club in Park City, Utah, which offers amenities like golf, skiing, boating, and dining. Canzano shared that she was initially nervous about attending club management’s recent annual meeting, whose itinerary included golfing.

“Despite my hesitation, I spent four hours out on the course with my knowledge from the WiB golf outing this past April and had such a great time,” she said. “I’d like to thank Isenberg and WiB for hosting that event because I know it’s extremely helpful to me in the private club world, and it’ll be relevant for all the amazing women who attended it."

• Watch a video about the event.