Swinging between passions: Lessons from golf that power SAP leadership

In this edition of Nagarrians at Play, we step into the world of Stefan Gerum, Head of SAP North America at Nagarro and an ardent golf enthusiast. Stefan’s love for sports began in his teenage years, where he dabbled in various disciplines before discovering his true calling in golf.

What started as a casual exploration of golf soon evolved into a passion that took him to competitive tournaments across Europe and the US. Along the way, Stefan transitioned into the corporate arena, carving out a distinguished career as an SAP expert while never losing sight of his sporting spirit.

Today, we dive into Stefan’s golf journey, what sparked his interest, how he balances his leadership role with his time on the course, and how he draws parallels between his passion for golf and his professional life.

Hey Stefan! I’m curious: how did golf first come into your life? Was there a fun story or moment that got you started?

I started playing golf when I was 12 years old during a family vacation in Mauritius. There was a golf course at the resort, and I wanted to give it a try. After a few lessons, the local golf pro told my parents, “Whatever sport he does later in life, make sure golf is part of it.” That stuck with me, and from then on, I was hooked.

Before that, I loved skiing and soccer, but golf fascinated me because it was so much about focus, precision, and competing against yourself. I quickly joined the Bavarian and later the German national team.

Stefan in a rigorous practice session at Golf Club Munich West

That’s quite interesting. Could you tell me about some of the big tournaments you’ve played in and share a few achievements you’re most proud of?

Yes, like I said, I was hooked on golf at a young age. At 15, I decided to attend high school in Toledo, Ohio, to compete more intensively in the US. And by the time I was 17, I had turned into a professional and started my golf education at one of Germany’s most renowned golf clubs - Golfclub München Eichenried, the venue of the BMW International Open. I also finished school early to completely devote my time and energy toward the sport.

There, I was trained both as a teaching professional and as a playing pro. Over the next five years, I played in numerous professional tournaments across Germany, Europe and the US. During the European winter season, I lived in Destin, Florida, to compete and train under better conditions.

Over the years, I was fortunate to compete in tournaments across Germany, Italy, Great Britain, the UAE, and the U.S. Some of my favorite highlights include winning local pro events, qualifying for several international tournaments, and having the chance to play alongside some world-class golfers. These experiences shaped me both as a player and as a person.

Stefan delivering a session during Nagarro's FLO event

Your journey from being a professional golfer to leading SAP North America is truly remarkable! What inspired that transformation, and how did you make it happen?

There was one particular incident, rather a turning point, that made me pause, reconsider, and also take the first step toward this transition. One day my manager, who was always very honest with me regarding my playing abilities, told me, “Stefan, you’re really good, but not quite good enough to be the No.1.” That statement moved something inside me. I immediately decided to finish my high school degree, study IT, and start a new chapter in my life.

I began my corporate career by founding my own IT company, and later joined the Thalia Group to help implement SAP.  Years later, I transitioned into consulting, leading global business development teams. When I joined Nagarro in 2016, I continued on that path and two years ago, I moved to the US to head the SAP Business Unit for North America.

Looking back, I feel that it was a wise decision, as I strongly believe that we must keep redefining and rediscovering ourselves. The sky is the limit!

Stefan with other members of the ASUG SAP user community

In what ways do you apply the lessons and skills from your golfing experience to your current role as an SAP expert at Nagarro?

Professional sports, especially golf, teach you a lot that translates directly into business: preparation, focus, professionalism, commitment, and resilience. You learn to stay calm under pressure, handle setbacks, and keep going. The round isn’t over until it’s over, and the same applies to any major project.

How does your approach to golf compare to the way you tackle challenges with your SAP team?

The mindset in case of both is very similar: preparation, focus, persistence, and the belief that every challenge can be solved if you stay calm and think clearly. I apply the same principles (that are aligned with Nagarro's CARING culture) to a critical meeting as well as a decisive golf match, and they’ve consistently helped me overcome even the toughest obstacles, whether in the boardroom or on the greens. 

At Royal Troon Golf Club, UK

That’s a really good approach. Could you tell us about your favorite golf course, and what makes it special to you? What is the one unforgettable moment you’ve had on the golf course so far?

There are many, but I’d say St. Andrews (one of the oldest golf clubs in the world and also known as Home of Golf) , the Royal Hawaiian in Hawaii, and of course my home course, Golfclub München Eichenried, are the most special to me.

Some unforgettable moments include playing in a tournament flight with Greg Norman, training for months with Bernhard Langer’s coach in the U.S., and of course, every tournament win. Another fun memory: playing a round with Alice Cooper, the legendary American singer and songwriter. He’s actually a fantastic golfer and we had a perfect day on the course!

Stefan at St. Andrews Golf Club for a tournament

How do you juggle leading SAP projects at Nagarro while still keeping your passion alive?

I actually stopped playing for several years after retiring as a pro. Ironically, it was an SAP project that brought me back to the sport! One of my project managers played golf, and we decided to hold our project meetings on the course. We called it ‘Project Golf’.

Golf takes time, but my wife also started playing, and now it’s something we enjoy together. Unfortunately, a few surgeries during my competitive years kept me off the course for the past six years. But thankfully, I’m back again.

Stefan with a fellow Nagarrian playing the ELS for Autism golf tournament as part of the SAP Connect 2025 event in Las Vegas

In the meantime, I found another passion: flying. I’m now a private pilot. Whether it’s golf or flying, both give me the same feeling. When I’m on the first tee or running through a pre-flight checklist, my mind is completely focused and relaxed. It’s the best way to recharge from hectic work-life.

 Are there particular modules of SAP that you’re especially passionate about at Nagarro? And how do you stay up-to-date and keep your skills sharp in those areas?

Honestly, I don’t like to think in “modules.” I focus on business processes and outcomes. What’s most exciting right now is the evolution toward public cloud, and of course, how AI is reshaping the SAP landscape—that’s where I see the biggest opportunity.

Could you tell us the one key lesson from golf (for example, patience, focus, or resilience) that you apply directly to your work life?

Although all these principles are something I abide by closely, I would go with the virtue of ‘patience’. I always add a lot of emphasis on staying calm, as there’s always a solution to every problem. And yes, be prepared and do your homework well. When you walk into a meeting or a workshop well-prepared, you are already confident and can handle anything without stress.

I was only nervous once: at a big tournament, hitting the first tee shot in front of a thousand people. My partner that day, who was already a famous golfer, told me, “Don’t stress. You’ve trained hard, you deserve to be here. Enjoy it.” He was right. So, trust your preparation, both in golf and business.

Stefan in another ELS for Autism golf tournament in Charlotte with others from the SAP community

That’s a great learning. Is there a golf ritual or habit you’ve carried over into your professional life?

Probably my competitiveness. I really don’t like to lose, neither in the course, or at work and I’ll do everything possible to make sure we deliver outstanding results. Giving up has never been an option for me and I’m sure it drives my team crazy sometimes!

If you could invite anyone, either a famous golfer or a fellow SAP expert, to play nine holes with you, who would it be and why? And what would you ask them during the round?

Oh, that’s a tough one! Honestly, I’ve been lucky to play with so many amazing people: Boris Becker, Alice Cooper, Greg Norman, Sepp Maier, and John Daly. If I had to pick someone new, I’d love to play nine holes with Tiger Woods and just talk about mindset, resilience, and how he mentally handled all the highs and lows of his career.

Finally, what’s your best advice for someone who trying to learn golf, or anything new for that matter, while managing a full-time IT career?

Good luck and wishing you lots of talent! 😊 But on a serious note be patient, enjoy the process, and use golf, or your new passion, as your balance. If you are new to golf, understand that it’s one of the few sports that teaches focus, honesty, and humility—lessons that are just as valuable in a work-life as they are on the course.

NagarriansAtPlay is a series that showcases Nagarrians following their passions. In this series, we bring to you some of our remarkable colleagues who have made it big globally in their respective fields, and have inspired many to follow their dreams.