By: Amir Sipović
People from the advertising industry in Slovenia increasingly often meet at the golf courses, because this sport has become very popular among them. When analyzing all the characteristics of golf, it’s simple to conclude that it’s a sport for creative people.
We did some research and chose five people from the communications industry of Slovenia who will talk with us this week and tell us their short stories about golf. We open the series with Špela Oblak, CEO of the agency Luna TBWA Slovenia and the regional CEO of TBWA CEE Adriatic.
Media Marketing: Why and when did you decide to play golf?
Špela Oblak: I have a confession to make: before I started playing golf, it didn’t seem like a sport to me, and if I was to rank it among sports, I used to attribute to it that it was a sport for the elderly, and that it’s played by very peculiar people. Now, I take back all that I used to say.
Seven years ago I received five hours of golf coaching as a New Year’s gift. Already for the second class I had golf shoes and I couldn’t wait for the next class. I’m still happy that I received that gift.
Media Marketing: What is it that golf has and other sports don’t?
Špela Oblak: It has a combination of physical (though not aerobic) and mental. It requires complete focus, composure and calmness. Without this, you can’t hit those small balls. If all this is there, then the game is good, and after 18 holes you are completely clearheaded and in an entirely different world. You spend four or five hours in nature and walk about 10 kilometers, accompanied by birdsong. But, unfortunately, it also has something else that other sports don’t have – you never learn everything, you never reach the final, ultimate point :)
Media Marketing: How are you progressing? How far have you gone?
Špela Oblak: Sometimes I feel that I’m playing great, and the very next time I can’t understand where my good game has gone? But, I’ve reached the point where I can go out to the golf fields abroad without fear that I won’t be able to play.
Media Marketing: How much time every week do you dedicate to golf?
Špela Oblak: I would like to dedicate more :)
Media Marketing: Have you participated in some tournaments?
Špela Oblak: I make efforts to participate in several tournaments every year.
Media Marketing: Do you follow golf on TV?
Špela Oblak: I’m one of the peculiar people. Every two years European and American golfers meet for the Ryder Cup – then I watch from the first to the last minute.
Media Marketing: Would you advise others to pick up a golf club?
Špela Oblak: Absolutely, because it’s a sport that represents an excellent exercise in patience, humility, concentration, it requires balance and brings happiness and joy… All what we need in life.
