Dan Hill, 49, is PGA Master Professional at Seattle's Broadmoor Golf Club, a position he has held for eight years. Hill, who has spent 23 years as a golf professional and teacher, believes that the psychological traits of successful golfers are similar to those of high-performance business leaders. He reflected on those common traits in an interview with Washington CEO Magazine. Hill, his wife Janet, and son Jonathan live in Renton.

What mental similarities exist between golf and business?

Preparation and focus give you the edge in both endeavors. The key is to set goals, do the practice (preparation) and to execute, sometimes under significant pressure. The competitive side of golf pits the player against par, the course and other players. That's very similar to business.

Do you believe that honesty on the golf course carries over to honesty in the executive suite?

Golf is a great test of integrity. There are no referees or umpires on the course. It's up to every player to live by the rules, assess their own penalty strokes and accurately report their score. Those that don't probably take ethical shortcuts in other areas of their life. Golf -- played alone -- may be the greatest test of individual integrity.

What two or three weaknesses do business leaders bring with them to the golf course?

They try to fit too much into a short time period. Time management is as important in golf as it is in business. It's important to arrive well in advance of your tee time in order to relax, change clothes and warm up properly. I think it's much like arriving at the office to start a day's work.

Executives sometimes worry too much about what others think of their performance, rather than relying on specific strategies and tasks. Is this true in golf?

In business you understand that others are measuring your performance and evaluating your style. One of the nice things about golf is that it is a very personal, self-centered game. Players tend to worry about their personal performance and not that of their playing partners. It's their shot that matters most to them.

How would you define perfection in golf?

Tiger Woods.

Is perfection the right goal?

Tiger understands that golf is a game of good misses and I think it's true in business as well. Little misses won't get you into a lot of trouble. If you watch him closely, you'll see that even he doesn't hit every shot perfectly or make every putt. Calculation and management are critical to his game. Even when he misses a shot, he doesn't have a disaster. His errors are small and calculated so as not to ruin his round.

What advice do you give golfers who want to maintain a positive attitude, even after a bad mistake?

To quickly evaluate and learn from their errors, put them aside and begin working on the next shot. We have to learn from mistakes, but we can't dwell on them. You have to learn to put them aside and to focus on the next challenge.

Does fear play a factor?

Fear is always lurking. Some fear failure, but many fear success. Repetitive, successful rehearsal is how we beat fear -- knowing that the outcome of a shot will be positive and successful. I think the same is true in the business world.

What are the mental factors you consider going into a round of golf?

To stay in the game plan and to play within yourself. If expectations are set too high, it only leads to disappointment. In golf -- just like in business -- controlling the effects of adrenaline is important. Calm and in control is how you succeed.