Bad Day At The Course
 

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.

Don't worry, he will be leaving for a new job next week.
He is among the the first draft of the new Villagers Golf Cart anti speeding police:icon_wink:!:icon_wink:

Start with the pro at the nearest championship course. I was once told the exec’s are under their management.
Agree they both need some “management “.

That was a wrong thing to do.

You are supposed to wait at the white line until the previous group is off the green or until the starter tells you to advance to the first tee.

You should have known that.

Report it, certainly, but if it was one event, it is possible they had some issues and were not in a good mood because of others giving them a hard time - unlike you.

I had a similar atypical experience at a rec center earlier in the winter. Long boring story, but in essence, one of the staff was very rude to the assembled pickleballers. I took it up with the head of the Rec Dept. via email, and also the head of the specific Rec Center where it occurred.
There were about 16 of us picklers involved and we all agreed that it was the first time any of us had run into treatment from a rec center staffer that wasn't friendly, helpful and courteous.
I got responses to my letters, and assurances that the employee identified would get "coaching"...OK, whatever their system is it seems to work.
I'd suggest you find whoever is in charge and engage them in a description of your experience. It seems obvious to me that whoever is in charge of training these staffers is motivated to provide friendly, courteous service. I say that because it generally is.

The reason the toads stand out is because they are so rare. If this were an everyday occurrence we wouldn't be reading about it.

They don't seem to last long. Or if they do it is because they were informed that their act needed cleaning up.

Agreed it was wrong but could have asked in a nicer manner.

I understand your wanting to vent, but you need to call the facility that over sees that course. Call Evans Prairie and ask for the manager.

Civility is something that is becoming more and more rare.

Some years back I was at the ticket counter of Minneapolis - St. Paul airport being "helped" by a Delta counter agent who had obviously had urine-soaked corn flakes for breakfast. Needing to get past him in order to get to my flight I put up with his vitriol, but once past him I said in a loud voice (loud enough for a lot of fellow passengers to hear) "give a joker a uniform and minimum wage, and he thinks he owns the world".

It got a round of applause.

You seem to indicate that this was the first occurrence of this kind. Why not take a deep breath and let it go? I think that you will be feel better than trying to pursue a problem that may never happen again.

Had a few occurrences of Barnie or Barbie Fife at a starter shack or ambassadors. Fortunately a rarity. Human nature and perhaps feelings of Authority and Power. As most anytime in the public.

Well, wow... a big crime was committed here, no doubt. I suspect that the reason for the rule is so that people teeing off aren't bothered or intimidated by the next group in line. I can't see any reason for making a big deal out of it other than to protect the group on the tee from being bothered by the next groups.
Once it was explained what the situation was, the starter could have either gently explained WHY it's not allowed, or just let it go.

There was certainly no need for the starter to get his panties in a knot over this terrible (note sarcasm there, please) infraction.

Some people have very little authority and are hell-bent on using every bit of it.

Everyone deserves a second chance.