Re: What does it take

If you are keeping your "business" portion of this equation realistic, then you do not need to play well at all, all you need to do is have the right attitude about your level and show outwardly that you enjoy the game you play, and this will show that you are able to be this way in your business, someone who enjoys their work.

Showing them that you are a good player does not reflect at all how you are in your business, and any normal minded business professional will recognize that.

Ok, that said, you still want to play better, as does everyone. So my first suggestion is to go after a weekly group lesson package. It is safe in that you are placed in like levels, you learn what you should be learning at your level and you don't feel the pressures of a private lesson.

Second, is to play about once a month during this session. You said you are tight on time, so try to practice once if you can between lessons. This should get you going...slowly, but under your constraints, it will be a good start.

Re: What does it take

Also apart from Greg's excellent suggestions, you may be trying to play too competetively for your ability at the moment. Try laying up or taking a lesser club to make sure you stay on the fairway. I bet you lose loads of strokes by being behind trees and in deep rough and bunkers etc. You can always be more adventurous later as you improve.

Bri