Country Clubs and Twilight Golfers

[specialk]

Is it just me? I've had three recent occasions at three different country clubs that were less than stellar. In each case, I was with a group of eight golfers who had just finished a nine-hole round of golf. And, in each case, we felt unwelcome, were either rushed or, worse, ignored. In once instance, we actually left after waiting for twenty minutes and went to Beef O'Brady's - they were very happy we were there!
I'm not one to gripe, but this observation leads me to believe that the management and the servers in the Country Clubs are spoiled; they think they have a captive audience and don't need to show appreciation for our business. It's my personal belief that we full-timers are the 'bread and butter' of this community and we keep it going with our consumer support until the next wave of snow-bird 'gravy' people arrive. Don't you think we should be treated with respect and welcome?
I know someone is going to ask, so I'll just say: Belle Glade (walked out), Glenview (horrible service) and Bonifay (rushed)

[Skip]

Is it just me? I've had three recent occasions at three different country clubs that were less than stellar. In each case, I was with a group of eight golfers who had just finished a nine-hole round of golf. And, in each case, we felt unwelcome, were either rushed or, worse, ignored. In once instance, we actually left after waiting for twenty minutes and went to Beef O'Brady's - they were very happy we were there!
I'm not one to gripe, but this observation leads me to believe that the management and the servers in the Country Clubs are spoiled; they think they have a captive audience and don't need to show appreciation for our business. It's my personal belief that we full-timers are the 'bread and butter' of this community and we keep it going with our consumer support until the next wave of snow-bird 'gravy' people arrive. Don't you think we should be treated with respect and welcome?
I know someone is going to ask, so I'll just say: Belle Glade (walked out), Glenview (horrible service) and Bonifay (rushed)

You're not alone. I've heard and seen this from many others. It's a shame what has happened to the Country Clubs over the years (exception: Hemingways at Havana).

Skip

[newguyintv]

Is it just me? I've had three recent occasions at three different country clubs that were less than stellar. In each case, I was with a group of eight golfers who had just finished a nine-hole round of golf. And, in each case, we felt unwelcome, were either rushed or, worse, ignored. In once instance, we actually left after waiting for twenty minutes and went to Beef O'Brady's - they were very happy we were there!
I'm not one to gripe, but this observation leads me to believe that the management and the servers in the Country Clubs are spoiled; they think they have a captive audience and don't need to show appreciation for our business. It's my personal belief that we full-timers are the 'bread and butter' of this community and we keep it going with our consumer support until the next wave of snow-bird 'gravy' people arrive. Don't you think we should be treated with respect and welcome?
I know someone is going to ask, so I'll just say: Belle Glade (walked out), Glenview (horrible service) and Bonifay (rushed)

You've hit the nail on the head. "Country Clubs" here in TV treat golfers poorly. I second your conclusion about Glenview which I consider to be one of the worst.

[rjn5656]

We had 10 at Glenview last night after golf, and most of the food came out cold. Won't be back.

[Jima64]

All the people that experienced lousy food or service should contact the owner/ manager in letter and express their displeasure. Also let them know you will not be back.

[wholman66]

It's late and they are ready to go home!! No excuse, however. Experienced this at Belle Galde last week. As a former restaurant owner, you serve until last customer is properly served, captive audience here!!!

[golf2140]

You're not alone. I've heard and seen this from many others. It's a shame what has happened to the Country Clubs over the years (exception: Hemingways at Havana).

Skip

Skip,

Our group at Hemmingway were treated like trash. The manager kept raising cane. They have lost 20 couples and all the friends that we can tell our story to.

[justjim]

It's late and they are ready to go home!! No excuse, however. Experienced this at Belle Galde last week. As a former restaurant owner, you serve until last customer is properly served, captive audience here!!!

:beer3: I think you hit the nail right on the head. It's fairly late and the server and other restaurant workers are ready to go home. However, as you said, the last customer should be server properly.

I definitely would inform the Country Club owners in writing of the issue.

By the way, if the 8 golfers leave a fairly large tip, I would bet attitudes would change-----try it at the next country club!

[Soxman]

I agree with you 100%. They all seem to think that We need Them. They simply forget that we are all people who have survived many things in our lives and our very resourceful. We will spend where we are appreciated.

[RetiredInTV]

Little over 2 months ago there were issues with 4 meals in a group of 6 at Evans Prairie. I provided some feedback in a friendly tone through their web site. Management can't fix problems unless they are aware of the way food is served.

Never heard a thing back - was expecting some one would say they were sorry we had a bad experience, or may the food we weren't happy with is the way they serve food (i.e. maybe cold french fries are the new normal).

But nothing - and needless to say I haven't been back.

[rjn5656]

I sent a note to Glenview. Never heard back from them.

[MikeV]

I think these restaurants they call County Clubs are over rated. I seldom eat there. Many other eateries that are glad to serve.

[golfing eagles]

I'm a bit confused by this thread---it seems the majority opinion is that country club restaurants generally suck. Is this just a vocal minority complaining or are the problems described that prevalent?
I have had dinner at Palmer, Cane Gardens and multiple times at Evans Prairie, including large groups, and have never had a bad meal, bad service and certainly have not encountered rude servers or management. My wife is fairly picky about her food (sorry, that's an understatement---she is probably the pickiest in the universe---comes from her mother who was a professional waitress at a high end restaurant), so we have had to send food back. or change it, or add to it--just about every time, and have always been accommodated with a smile. She has called the manager over to compliment them. So, are we just lucky or are our experiences more typical????

[newguyintv]

I'm a bit confused by this thread---it seems the majority opinion is that country club restaurants generally suck. Is this just a vocal minority complaining or are the problems described that prevalent?
I have had dinner at Palmer, Cane Gardens and multiple times at Evans Prairie, including large groups, and have never had a bad meal, bad service and certainly have not encountered rude servers or management. My wife is fairly picky about her food (sorry, that's an understatement---she is probably the pickiest in the universe---comes from her mother who was a professional waitress at a high end restaurant), so we have had to send food back. or change it, or add to it--just about every time, and have always been accommodated with a smile. She has called the manager over to compliment them. So, are we just lucky or are our experiences more typical????

It's called the "Rose colored glasses syndrome".

[Bogie Shooter]

If it is so bad, why must I wait for a table some times?

[golfing eagles]

It's called the "Rose colored glasses syndrome".

No, I'm pretty sure I see things for what they are. Besides, I threw this post out there to see if there were others with good experiences as well. Obviously you're not one of them

[JSR22]

No, I'm pretty sure I see things for what they are. Besides, I threw this post out there to see if there were others with good experiences as well. Obviously you're not one of them

We consistently have very good food and service at Hemingway's, Lopez and Palmer. Never ever a problem with quality and service.

[golf2140]

The issue is trying to be seated and served if you had been playing twi-light golf in a group.

[Madelaine Amee]

Glenview is our backyard, so it is our "go to" place. Is it fine dining - no of course not, but when I am fed up with cooking, their food will do just fine. The servers are great, especially in the lounge area - Melissa, Heather and Star are excellent, very friendly and efficient. However, it is rather like a private club and if they know you they spend time with you. We walk in and our drinks are on the table almost before we sit down. I think it may be the original country club and the same people still frequent it nightly and, of course, if the wait staff know you they acknowledge you. I would assume it's the same at the other country club eateries. It takes a while to become a regular!

We have eaten in various places throughout the country and this is the norm, if the staff knows you they acknowledge you, you are their bread and butter. So if you want to fit in somewhere be pleasant, learn to say "thank you" and learn their names, a little courtesy goes a long way.

[newguyintv]

No, I'm pretty sure I see things for what they are. Besides, I threw this post out there to see if there were others with good experiences as well. Obviously you're not one of them

Contraire my friend, Contraire. I have had occasional good experiences although for the most part I believe that the CC Restaurants are mediocre and clearly golfer unfriendly. The subject of this Thread is the latter.

[golfing eagles]

Contraire my friend, Contraire. I have had occasional good experiences although for the most part I believe that the CC Restaurants are mediocre and clearly golfer unfriendly. The subject of this Thread is the latter.

The large group I referred to was 12 golfers at Evans Prairie, no reservation, so I haven't experienced the "golfer unfriendly" aspect mentioned. Which raises the obvious question---why would a restaurant at a country club that pushes through over 300 tee times/day be unfriendly to what would appear to be their core clientele? Makes little sense to single out golfers as a group to treat badly, not that any business should be treating its customers badly.

[specialk]

I'm the originator of this thread and I do think the issue is that it's not between 4:30 and 6:00pm. They finish the rush hour and start to clean up, expecting to be out the door at 9:00. In my experience as a former waitress, clean up got started before everyone left, IF POSSIBLE, but usually, we were at least 30 minutes after closing finishing up. Customers come first, period. Twilight golfers are making them work a little bit later and we are resented for that.

[golfing eagles]

That's certainly possible, in which case the managers should get a handle on it. Even the servers should realize they get 0 tips on clean up, but can make some extra $$ serving, even if it is a bit late----maybe they should take turns serving the twilight group while the others continue the clean up process. The best steak I ever had, with great service was 2 years ago on our preview plan at Cody's LSL walking in at 8:50 on a weeknight. So it can be done. I'd bring the complaint to the manager, and if no satisfaction, the owner.

[Villager Joyce]

Try going into any restaurant or retail store just before closing. Then wander up and down the aisles aaimlessly. Some of those employees are paying extra for babysitters or have been on their feet For hours.

[raynan]

Our twilight group of 16 has had great after-golf dining experiences at Cane, Mallory and Bonifay. I feel bad for the servers on a rain-out night when everyone runs in from the courses at the same time. Patience and a little empathy for them goes a long way.

[JohnCliff]

My name is John, I am a server at Evans Prairie, and I would like to invite all twilight golfers to come and see if we can't treat you properly over at Evans Prairie. I work Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon, and Tues nights, call ahead and ask for me if you will! We welcome Twilighters. But at the same time Twilighters can be difficult as well. I had a larger group come in pretty much all at once as they sometimes do and had two - three people each trying to give me their complete order at the same time, just the other night, and when I stopped them to tell them I was unable to take three orders simultaneously I had a guy stand up and walk out on me. And I feel terrible about that still, but I'm not sure I'm the one that was having the bad day that day. If you come in and are served by me, my promise to you is that I'll be much more interested in properly serving you than cleaning up to get done with work.
ps, I read a post from someone in this thread about Evans Prairie, and I will try to figure out how to reply to you and see if I can't help you find satisfaction with EP. EP has been going thru some management changes due to promotions, and most recently our GM was involved in a serious accident, so we have had some issues we are/have been overcoming