Spending time at the golf course is supposed to be relaxing.

Depending upon your skill level, it can also be frustrating and at times embarrassing.

I'm preparing myself for the latter.

Today, I'll be taking part in the annual "Bob and Brian Open" at Grand Geneva. While hundreds of loyal 102.9 The Hog listeners hack their way around the beautifully manicured course, I'll be standing at a par-3 hole, playing the part of the "Beat the Pro" guy.

Basically, I'll hit a tee shot with each group that comes through. There may or may not be betting (for charity, the whole shindig is a benefit for the MACC Fund) and there will be some hooting and hollering.

Time for the excuses. I'm doing this as a favor to my friends, Bob and Brian, and the chance to network with a lot of friendly (and possibly sunburned and a bit tipsy) business contacts.

I just finished reading a book about networking (you'll hear about it next week here at OnMilwaukee.com) and the author stressed the importance of getting outside your comfort zone. He meant meeting new people and putting yourself in different situations.

Today qualifies for me on both fronts.

I don't play a lot of golf -- not enough to be good, anyway. I hate playing golf when I have to stand around a long time between shots. As I squeak into my mid-40s, I have a hard time staying loose.

I don't anticipate hitting many good shots. But, I do anticipate having a pretty good time. The only thing is, I have to condition myself to enjoy the day and not worry about the results or what people think about my golf game.

Hitting shots in front of a hundred or so strangers isn't my idea of a comfortable activity. When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone?