Quote:
Originally Posted by Eileenrush
I run a group of 28 golfers that have been golfing the Executive courses once a month for the six years. We have always marveled at the friendliness of the staff everywhere, their enthusiasm and their helpfulness. To me, the ambassadors and starter shack staff set the tone and depict what The Villages are all about.
Yesterday, Sunday April 3, we were sadly disappointed. I think the Starter Shack at Mangrove/Sweetgum has changed its mode of operation. It is not a very friendly place! It started, when checking in; a female with a very grim face scrutinized our Golf I.Ds (I wondered if we were on the FBI Most Wanted List) She coldly informed us that we were very early. I explained that I was in charge of the large group that was scheduled and would help to keep them moving. There was no comment, no welcome of any kind and no smile. Our group did go off without any trouble. As the last foursome of the group, we pulled up to the tee box to cheer the group ahead of us off. I guess this is a big no no. The ambassador came running across the street donning a nasty angry face and stated in a very harsh voice that he had not told us that we were up and that we needed to back up to the waiting line. We explained that we were all in the same group and were just cheering on our friends. He got angrier. He said “Back Up! I said, Back Up, I have to keep order here”. Not sure what he thought we were doing. We started to turn around and he yelled again “Back Up.” We backed up the ten yards to the waiting line. This man should not be working with the public. What was gained by his behavior? He certainly left us with a bad taste. Is this the attitude we want to portray in Florida’s friendliest retirement hometown? Not sure who I should register a complaint with so thought I would just vent here.
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It happens, happens here, happens most places at one time or another. Happens at "nice" hotels and happens at "nice" restaurants. There will always be a certain number of people who (have one type or another of personality/self-esteem issue) HAVE to feel important and actually lack the skills needed to be "in charge" and yet not have to demand compliance. In it's most simple form, it's called theory "X", theory "Y" management. Had a starter once demand I get into the cart of a man smoking a very large cigar. I declined very very politely, and replied I would just take my own cart. He said, NO WAY, 2 carts for every FOUR PEOPLE, PERIOD. I said, no, smoke really bothered me too much, he pointed out GOLF is played OUTSIDE... so insulting. He came out the back door of the small starter shack, walked around the side to FACE ME, reached into his pocket, took out a cigarette, lighted it, and then after taking a deep drag of it, blow the smoke right into my face saying, "make up your mind, do you want to play or not?". I said, no, very meekly, never protested or got angry or raised my voice in any way. I told him it was fine, I'd just go home. I did go directly to the golf office which was on Wedgwood at the time I believe. I did have to wait to talk to any other than the secretary receptionist at the desk, but I waited it out, and finally was able to calmly relate, unemotionally, exactly how I had been treated with NO aggression on my part at all ! I was told the individual (I had first name and was from state of Virginia according to his pin) would be contacted for "further training". I told them my honest opinion was the individual would never have done this to a male... he probably feared that kind of bullying to another male could end in actual physical altercation ! The guy with the cigar got a HUGE kick out of it all, he and the starter "seemed" to know each other, or, perhaps they had some other link, I'll never know. When the Covid came along, I had to laugh to myself thinking how there were NO EXCEPTIONS to the four people two cart rule for ANY reason.... walked that one back fast didn't they... LOL ! Yep, the world if FULL of theory "X" mangers (meaning, their view is, people are by nature going to take advantage and manipulate, so you have to CLAMP DOWN ON THEM IMMEDIATELY, never listen or consider the circumstances !