by George Gallo
Boy does your story hit it on the head. One Sunday morning I played a round at Hominy Hills in Colt's Neck, NJ. This is a very highly rated COUNTY course. In my foursome was a friend who is physically challanged. Prior to starting we were told it was cartpath only even for him. As we played a foursome behind us caught up and we let them play through. Several holes later we allowed another to play through. A few holes later a ranger came up and started to scream at my friend to drive the F***ing cart onto the course and not be an A**hole. When we tried to speak to the manager after the round, which by the way we finished in 4:15 even letting 2 groups play through and at the end we were 2 holes ahead of the next foursome, we were told she was not there and that the guy was a former Correction officer and he didn't mean anything. The next day I called the county office and was told both my friend and myself would receive a letter of appology. Well I am still waiting for the letter. The manager called and told she was there that day and did not know why her staff lied. Again a promise of a letter of apology and I am still waiting. It is a shame but in Monmouth county they still have not come to terms with the ADA or common respect.

by Ed B
So every golf course on the east coast is like this? I think your attempt to arouse responses from easteners is too transparent. I have played courses from Florida to New Hampshire and not found any consistent attitude on the part of golf course staff. Weak article.

by Pat R.
The bad attitudes of golf vendors at courses in the Northeast are not only at the exclusive clubs, but often accompany most private and semi-private clubs as well, as if the course is not required to follow the rules that all businesses open to the public must follow. Just because it's golf doesn't mean that the environment must be rooted in the elitist attitudes that formed its origins. Like any other sport with a requirement of facilities in order to play, the game and the businesses that offer a location to play it should serve its customers with the respect any other business is expected to offer without having to sacrifice the game or the logistics of its time constraints. Many courses are neither family friendly nor women friendly, adding to the impression that it remains a male-oriented activity in a male-only environment like the Elk club, in effect, turning the playing experience into an insult that one must pay dearly for. With that attitude, who needs it? It's no wonder that golf revenue is down. It's not just logistics and demographics. It's also attitude for many!

by Nick Aramino
You're right on, Chris; but it's not just the northeast, and its not just on the golf course or in teh clubhouse -- it's everywhere. Golf used to be considered gentleman's game; but it seems there are few gentleman left -- running the courses or playing on them. It's an entire "in-your-face" culture with no regard or value placed on the customer.
My wife and I own 2 fitness clubs. Our membership fee is $29 a month -- about what you'd pay here for one round of golf. We treat our members and visitors like gold -- and it pays off. It is why we are so successful in a very competitive business. Too bad more businesses see to have forgotten that what goes around comes around.