Hamish McLaren

Hamish McLaren HobbyJam

After achieving remarkable success across a number of entrepreneurial endeavors, Hamish McLaren believes that the time has come to focus his attention on helping others build successful businesses of their own. This belief ultimately inspired Mr. McLaren to found McLaren & Associates Consulting, a firm dedicated to supporting and guiding aspiring entrepreneurs as they pursue the kind of unique and innovative ideas that were so central to McLaren’s own success. With his principal focus centered around his new consulting firm, Hamish McLaren is still able to vigorously pursue his longtime hobby and can often be found conducting business out on the golf course.

What is your hobby?

Although there are many days when it feels more like a blessing or a curse than a simple hobby, golf often dominates my free time.

How did you get started with this hobby? What inspired you?

A number of my classmates already played golf, so I started playing while attending Notre Dame. At first, I thought it would be good for business, but it ultimately became a pursuit I deeply enjoy for reasons outside of business.

Tell us what you love about it.

There are many days in which I meet with clients and discuss business strategy while playing 18 holes, and I love the fact that it is one of the few games in which this is an acceptable practice.

Are there any groups you’re a part of or events that you attend related to your hobby?

I’m a member at two private courses and also meet up with a few other groups on a regular basis for competitive rounds.

Have you had to invest in equipment and if so, please share some of the things you’ve bought.

Yes, one of the golf’s great curses is that it is so easy to endlessly tinker with your clubs until they are just right. I’ve bought club-making equipment, used club components, and have far too many shaft options to choose from.

Where do you buy most of your supplies?

The group I play with on a regular basis is made up of individuals with similar tinkering habits, so we will trade clubs and other supplies with each other whenever possible. Otherwise, there is the pro shop as well as a few online forums with healthy classified sections that are just loaded with all kinds of different options.

Are there any good books for beginners?

The USGA’s “Rules of Golf,” should be in the bag of every beginning golfer. For instructional advice, I believe in-person lessons are best for a beginner who wants to make quick progress.

How has this changed your life?

Golf has made sure that I have access to an impressive office or conference room wherever I happen to be. I have held some of my most productive meetings on some of the world’s greatest courses, all while playing a game I deeply enjoy.

What advice do you have for others starting out with this hobby?

Learn to be patient, and take great care to abide by the rules of etiquette each time you play.

Are there any other hobbies you have?

Yes, I also enjoy sailing as well as the occasional fishing trip.