Very strange round at Eagles Nest today

[True North]

This story start off boring but ends up interesting, so please readh through.

Well everything started out pretty good, it was a gorgeous day, my first time on Eagles Nest. I was teeing with a couple of very close friends.

The first strange thing, the course was empty. This is not bad of course but I could not see anyone behind me and no one in front of me. The course is in good condition and they have endeavoured to make this track interesting and challenging.

The first thing that bothered me was that were no course diagrams offered or given to the players. This wasn't a big deal until i realized that there are a number of blind shots and doglegs where that sort of mapping is necessary. There weren't even hole layouts/digarams at each of the holes.

All you got was the hole yardage on your scorecard.Keep in mind this a $200 round of golf with a cart.

NOW FOR THE WEIRD PART

We are on the 17th hole on an otherwise pleasant round of golf. We finish up on 17 and get back in our cart and it won't start. Beer cart girl stops and we tell her what is going on and she calls in. No one offers up a solution, it was a bit annoying but no biggie. We are playing as a threesome and the second cart is only occupied by one person. We load up our clubs on the cart and walk to 18, no biggie. We are playing through the hole when some goofball in purple sweater shows up (perhaps the marshall I don't know) and starts to tell us that the cart was shut off automatically when it senses that it is in a restricted area.

We then explained that the cart was on the cart path when it wouldn't start. He then changes the story slightly and says the carts shut off within 'a couple of minutes' when the cart goes into a restricted area. He then points his finger saying we have you on video going in between the cart path arrows and the green. This person was just outrigth rude and and seemed proud of what he was doing. I wasn't even aware that I had gone off course, but a friend later told me I was in the rough past the no cart markers (hence the reason I missed it) on the wrong side of the markers. I wasn't anywhere near the green and it wasn't as if the area was virgin to carts. My friend later went on to explain that he saw a couple course employees in a cart about 100 yards from our cart and they were the ones who intentionally shut down the cart

So not only did the Marshall (or whomever this Barney impersonator was) lie to me but he intentionally had the cart shut down without a even a word or a warning. There were only 6 players on the course at that time, how hard would it have been to say something? How they could afford to display such unbelievably bad judgment in customer service with so few customers is beyond me but I have never in my life encountered such idiocy on a course before in my life. Keep in mind I am not some drunkard 19 year old who has never played a course before. I have had the privilege of playing some of the finest tracks in North America and I try to treat each course with respect.

The moral of the story is that I own a wholesale distribution company and every few years we look for a new and exciting place to hold our annual corporate tournament. I was excited about what I had heard about Eagles Nest and I was fully expecting to try and book our tournament there next year.

To the Degasperis family, I know you don’t need the money, but Marshall Barney who pulled that stunt on your course today just cost you my business, I really hope it was worth it.

Cheers!

[Toughpar3]

Interesting...thanks for sharing. Sometimes I'm amazed at the lack of customer service businesses in general present to their customers. Just goes to show how crucial it is for management to hire the right person for the job.

I have a friend that was taking lessons at eagles nest and she felt discriminated against. She was really annoyed at the fact that the shuttle/attendents that greet you at the parking lot and help you with your clubs did not drive over to her at all. It was as if they intentionally avoided her and picked up other male golfers instead. Anyhow, she was annoyed by the experience and the sad thing for eagles nest is that she is in a position to decide which golf course they host client outings or have corporate events at.

There's another a lost oppportunity for the course, oh well.

TP3

[Bellyhungry]

..... My friend later went on to explain that he saw a couple course employees in a cart about 100 yards from our cart and they were the ones who intentionally shut down the cart .............

How does one shut down a cart from 100 yards away? Say you can do that remotely, was this confirmed by the course staff?

I am playing Eagle's Nest in the next few weeks...I hope I don't run into the course Nazi.

Hard to imagine not getting a yardage book in the cart for a course like this...

[dekker]

Curiosity got the better of me and I stopped to check out Eagles Nest.
There is a small personal connection to the site since it's built on part of the of the old Crawford Sand&Gravel pit where I had my first ever summer job as a gleaner.It was a 50hr week and I cleared $57.You do the math.

The place looks impressive but is also restricted/confined.It has the visual appeal to impress guest and members but is strangely devoid of ambiance. It's kind of clubby,but since it's still new it will take the members to bring it into character. These were my first impression and I spent an hour or more in the pub downstairs listening to the mostly member/players as they came in off the course.
BTW the proshop does stock an excellent grey flip-book detailing all the holes. It's one of the best being handed out anywhere. It's odd you weren't provided one for the cart.
Would I pay $200 to play this course? Not likely, since I seldom venture into that realm unless it's a treat for some special occasion.

[dks_34]

I haven't played the course in a couple of years but I'm sure I received a yardage book in the cart.

[iyell4]

I haven't played the course in a couple of years but I'm sure I received a yardage book in the cart.
but this may be a case of 'that was then' ....
the first time I played The Rock (first year of operations) a nice yardage book was included with your green fee (autographed by Faldo, if I recall :rolleyes: ) ...
the next year I went back ....
the same yardage book was not incl. in the green fee, but made available for you to purchase (for under $10) at the pro shop ...

for a green fee approachin' 2-bucks, i'd expect a yardage book too.

[BowmanvilleJim]

When the fee is over $100 a yardage book should be included. I'm dumbstruck by the lack of quality customer service I encounter everyday and most notably in the golf industry.
Poor customer service will set the tone just as great customer service does.

[hannah]

I haven't played the course in a couple of years but I'm sure I received a yardage book in the cart.

I still have mind in the trunk of my car, there was one on the cart when I played because for $200 there better be one on the cart, as for the cart, when you play Tangle creek, I think it's # 7 if you go into the fairway the cart starts to shut down, Sorry to hear of the hazzle you got from the Marshall but how did you shoot, did you have fun and did you pull your driver out every hole, I hope your day was full of fun drives and shots to mask this a/hole's attidude that bothered you at the end of your round. Tom.

[jayda]

Played Eagle Nest a month ago and yardage book (along ball maker, divot tool, Sharpie Pen with logo) is given. I asked for a simple score card and they gave me another yardage book... and their staff were nice...

True North, can you please confirm if you guys got any of the tee gifts? or at least did you ask for a yardage book? (i would be surprise if they told you to buy one...)

[True North]

Played Eagle Nest a month ago and yardage book (along ball maker, divot tool, Sharpie Pen with logo) is given. I asked for a simple score card and they gave me another yardage book... and their staff were nice...

True North, can you please confirm if you guys got any of the tee gifts? or at least did you ask for a yardage book? (i would be surprise if they told you to buy one...)

Nada, Zero, Zilch

We did receive two bottles of water in our cooler but that was it. Nothing was offered either. We actually considered purchasing one of their divot tools....... but they wanted $30 for it..... uhhhhh... no thanks. :eek: :rofl:

When I pay that much for a round I sort of expect that certain things are just provided (i.e. Yardage book) and at the very least a cart that works through 18 holes.

Like I said, it was a very strange day indeed, too bad

[Going_Pro]

Nada, Zero, Zilch

We did receive two bottles of water in our cooler but that was it. Nothing was offered either. We actually considered purchasing one of their divot tools....... but they wanted $30 for it..... uhhhhh... no thanks. :eek: :rofl:

When I pay that much for a round I sort of expect that certain things are just provided (i.e. Yardage book) and at the very least a cart that works through 18 holes.

Like I said, it was a very strange day indeed, too bad

I've been wanting to play Eagles Nest for a while now but none of my friends would be able to play it due to the difficulty and cost. It's very dissapointing to hear about your bad experience at such high noted course. After reading all the posts, for a $200 green fee there def. should be a yardage book, tees, scorecards etc. (that and they should have nice "Maxim" girls helpign you into the club house and bringing yoru clubs in! lol)

I think the most dissapointing part was how the "purple" marshal? or umpalumpa? was rude to you especially when you were finishing up your round. The courteous thing and most customer service oriented thing he should have done was to let you know after the round that "next" time try and stay on the path because the carts shut down if they are off course due to say "course" rules & regulations. There is no need to talk down to people, ESPECIALLY when they're the one's working there and we're the ones PAYING their salary. It's frustrating, especially when people talk down to you, when customers who are respectful and understanding are treated with disrespect. This is obviously NOT the only time I've heard or experienced marshals or customer service reps being rude and unprofessional. Golf is HUGE when it comes to corporate outings and word of mouth marketing. They literaly lost 2 possible huge corporate events (yours and the girl who took lessons there).

I think that when you go to places that are "high" end courses, some tend to have the mentality that they are better than you. I think you should have spoke to the head pro or a manager and let them know your situation and concerns. If that fails, letting people know about your bad experience is the right way to go, because for $200 you better be treated with the upmost respect.

They need to understand that everytime they treat a customer with distrespect, they tell atleast 10 other people. They should really think about that.

Great post, and thanks for the heads up, I can't stand Rude Marshals, and I stem away from courses when I hear this type of news. Golf is suppose to be relaxing, being accused and treated disrespectfully really ticks me off.

[True North]

I've been wanting to play Eagles Nest for a while now but none of my friends would be able to play it due to the difficulty and cost. It's very dissapointing to hear about your bad experience at such high noted course. After reading all the posts, for a $200 green fee there def. should be a yardage book, tees, scorecards etc. (that and they should have nice "Maxim" girls helpign you into the club house and bringing yoru clubs in! lol)

I think the most dissapointing part was how the "purple" marshal? or umpalumpa? was rude to you especially when you were finishing up your round. The courteous thing and most customer service oriented thing he should have done was to let you know after the round that "next" time try and stay on the path because the carts shut down if they are off course due to say "course" rules & regulations. There is no need to talk down to people, ESPECIALLY when they're the one's working there and we're the ones PAYING their salary. It's frustrating, especially when people talk down to you, when customers who are respectful and understanding are treated with disrespect. This is obviously NOT the only time I've heard or experienced marshals or customer service reps being rude and unprofessional. Golf is HUGE when it comes to corporate outings and word of mouth marketing. They literaly lost 2 possible huge corporate events (yours and the girl who took lessons there).

I think that when you go to places that are "high" end courses, some tend to have the mentality that they are better than you. I think you should have spoke to the head pro or a manager and let them know your situation and concerns. If that fails, letting people know about your bad experience is the right way to go, because for $200 you better be treated with the upmost respect.

They need to understand that everytime they treat a customer with distrespect, they tell atleast 10 other people. They should really think about that.

Great post, and thanks for the heads up, I can't stand Rude Marshals, and I stem away from courses when I hear this type of news. Golf is suppose to be relaxing, being accused and treated disrespectfully really ticks me off.

My sentiments exactly - even if I did something wrong you don't have to be disrespectful and rude all at the same time ESPECIALLY when you have a total of 6 players on the ENTIRE course that afternoon!!

P.S. - To be fair there were 8 tees in the cart, I forgot about those freebies.

[Petedv]

I'll keep an eye out and report back sicne we are having a Corporate event there next month.:cool:

[Chigu]

I haven't played the course in a couple of years but I'm sure I received a yardage book in the cart.

I played there last year (twice) and I received a detailed yardage book both times as well! Indicating pin placements, distance to hazards etc.

[Frank101]

played it twice myself in the last year and received yardage books up the wazoo...one in the cart...one for my pops in the same cart and asked for another to keep and it was no prob AND the kicker...we played free :confused:

[Tops 33]

I also dont understand. I have played there at least a dozen times and always have the full yardage book. I also did get the bag with the marker, ball marker, and divot tool.
I even moved our company's tournament there this year which the clients said was the best after many years at Angus Glen.
I do know some people there so if you need any help let me know

[harpagolf]

Played there a week ago for first time. Not impressed at all for the price. No yardage book, no course yardage markers, no sprinkler head markers; inexcusabe really for a course with a difficult layout. Also, one seems never able to get away from the traffic noise during the round. Very overrated. Braeben was twice as enjoyable for half the price.

[buying_my_toys]

We were at Eagles Nest last week and although we did not run into the Adolf Marshall I did have to politely ask for a yardage book - seeing that it was a the starters table and not on the cart!!!!!

As for the lack of professionalism - I too was very disappointed at how the whole experience of supposingly being at a really top notch club. Considering that a round cost $200 large.

When you are paying that much I expect and my customers as well that they are catered all day long......Starting from pickup, bag drop, (meeting room service), pro shop, range, starter, cart gal, greenkeeper, EVERYTHING - THE WORX........a of course the little extras (whatever that may be)

[True North]

We were at Eagles Nest last week and although we did not run into the Adolf Marshall I did have to politely ask for a yardage book - seeing that it was a the starters table and not on the cart!!!!!

As for the lack of professionalism - I too was very disappointed at how the whole experience of supposingly being at a really top notch club. Considering that a round cost $200 large.

When you are paying that much I expect and my customers as well that they are catered all day long......Starting from pickup, bag drop, (meeting room service), pro shop, range, starter, cart gal, greenkeeper, EVERYTHING - THE WORX........a of course the little extras (whatever that may be)

I would have asked but it wasn't until teeing off on the first hole that A) there was no yardage book in the cart
B) There were no yardage layouts in sight on the course (pins or hole layouts by the tees).

For $200 and the type of course that it is (challenging), I just expected that there would some sort of course layout provided. To be honest I was a little surprised there was no GPS, but that wasn't a deal breaker by any stretch. Someone mentioned that something about the yardage markings on the sprinklers and we did manage to find those quite readily.

I think it's hilarious that some people got all the toys and we didn't even have a yardage book provided, oh well, life goes so many other courses to play :D

[buying_my_toys]

Maybe if you pulled in on the heli-pad on the 18th - then you'd get some service / attention! My K-Car didn't do the trick!

The Eagles Nest experience was a real shame......

[Bellyhungry]

Played there yesterday...

Everything was great and as expected for a $200 course. But I do want to point out that Heathland had better conditioned grass when I played a couple of months ago - but that is just nit picking.

As a two-some, we were stuck behind two slow groups - one let us play through, the other one did not. But not a big deal - we simply be more deliberate in our pre-shot routine.

The marshall (Harold was his name) was cordial and nice. No issue there.

Overall, a great day.

[jayda]

so did you receive a yardage book, or any tee gifts?

[Bellyhungry]

so did you receive a yardage book, or any tee gifts?

Yes, I got a yardage book that I used religiously, I also got some free water, free range use with unlimited balls...Not to mention being 'stalked' by the cart girl (after we tipped her $5 at the second hole) :D .

As far as 'tee gift', I was not expecting one and did not receive one.

[jayda]

any FREE range balls? (JK)
I remember they use NXT tour and some ProV1 (from the fitting center)...

[ckdyu]

I played there a few years ago and recevied a gift bag with a eagles nest bag tag, divot tool with marker, yardage book and a leather bag with an eagle logo on it. (all this is similar to the stuff you get from Bond Head). After that, I've gone back to play it about once or twice every year and recevied a yardage book every single time and had no issues with the marshals. All this stuff was avaliable even if I wasn't paying the prime time rates, I was paying the spring or twilight rates.

Also, the sausages at the halfway house is a must have!

[krylaw]

My sentiments exactly - even if I did something wrong you don't have to be disrespectful and rude all at the same time ESPECIALLY when you have a total of 6 players on the ENTIRE course that afternoon!!

P.S. - To be fair there were 8 tees in the cart, I forgot about those freebies.

i have played this course at least a dozen times and have had mixed experiences:

1. the 18th was cart path only. my guest didn't know, nor did i, and drove to his second shot. a "child" came out of nowhere acting like he owned the place and proceeded to call my guest a "moron" and actually asked him if "he was an idiot." once we advised the pro shop, the response was: "well it is cart path only.":mad:

2. practicing at the driving range, stupidly i wanted to hit some shots of the tee...asked a pro where the tees were (complimentary) he advised that they were in the clubhouse, as he walked away.

3. played a round in 2:30 hours, no stress!

4. took some guests on a weekend and there was a group in front of us and behing us (friends are hackers but relatively quick). we were keeping up with the group in front of us, but one golfer duffed two shots on his approach on # 7. marshall comes from atop the hill and suggests we should pick up our ball and move to the next whole. i told him that the group in front of us just cleared the green, where would we go? he suggested we wait on the next tee box. :mad:

5. got to play the course for $90.00 with a cart?

6. they wouldn't let me go off as a single, first thing in the morning.

all in all its hit and miss, but the theme is: they don't care and they don't need your money:eek:

[Rocknronny]

all in all its hit and miss, but the theme is: they don't care and they don't need your money:eek:And thats a shame....:(
RR

[Bellyhungry]

My MO when I play those tyoically snotty high end courses is to act like I belong or that they are privilege to have my presence...

10 out of 10, it works. Customer service staff typically act according to how you present yourself to them.

[guitarman]

My MO when I play those tyoically snotty high end courses is to act like I belong or that they are privilege to have my presence...

10 out of 10, it works. Customer service staff typically act according to how you present yourself to them.

Sounds very American. I wouldn't want to have to act like that. Just not the snobby type.

[Bellyhungry]

Sounds very American. I wouldn't want to have to act like that. Just not the snobby type.

I think you might have mis-understood.

Acting like you belong does not mean acting like a jerk. It does not mean to act like you own the place. It also does not have the attitude of 'I spend the big $, I can do what I so choose'.

Acting like you belong means be assertive without being demanding or arrogance, don't act like a tourist, leave the camera at home, speak with confident with the staff and to the point, don't complain too much about anything, tip appropriately, develop a relationship with the staff the moment you drop off your bag, make some self deprecating jokes with the starter and the marshall, flirt but do not cross the line with the cart girl (tip but don't over tip her as well), dress appropriately (don't dress like a pro from head to toe, tug in your shirt, etc). I can go on and on....

[guitarman]

I think you might have mis-understood.

Acting like you belong does not mean acting like a jerk. It does not mean to act like you own the place. It also does not have the attitude of 'I spend the big $, I can do what I so choose'.

Acting like you belong means be assertive without being demanding or arrogance, don't act like a tourist, leave the camera at home, speak with confident with the staff and to the point, don't complain too much about anything, tip appropriately, develop a relationship with the staff the moment you drop off your bag, make some self deprecating jokes with the starter and the marshall, flirt but do not cross the line with the cart girl (tip but don't over tip her as well), dress appropriately (don't dress like a pro from head to toe, tug in your shirt, etc). I can go on and on....

I guess I misunderstood. But the phrase "...that they are privilege to have my presence..." had me wondering.

[JOHNNIE]

I marshal at a local course on Sundays. A lot of the the time I see people doing something wrong and when they see me they scurry back real fast. it's kind of funny. As I pull up to them I'll smile and say "I know I'm not gonna see that again right?" they usually laugh and say "ok". The best is when I drive up to say hi for the first time and chit chat, I'll usually say at the end "Have fun and let me know if there is anything I can do to make your day more fun". They look at you as though you have a horn growing out of the top of your head. Some Marshals are just dicks with the personality of a loaf of bread and they get stuck on stupid. The Head Professional sets the tone for the staff if he acts like a **** to customers his staff will do the same.

[dekker]

I think you might have mis-understood.

Acting like you belong does not mean acting like a jerk. It does not mean to act like you own the place. It also does not have the attitude of 'I spend the big $, I can do what I so choose'.

Acting like you belong means be assertive without being demanding or arrogance, don't act like a tourist, leave the camera at home, speak with confident with the staff and to the point, don't complain too much about anything, tip appropriately, develop a relationship with the staff the moment you drop off your bag, make some self deprecating jokes with the starter and the marshall, flirt but do not cross the line with the cart girl (tip but don't over tip her as well), dress appropriately (don't dress like a pro from head to toe, tug in your shirt, etc). I can go on and on....

Wow! That's the best advice in how to approach a golf course,or any other situation for that matter. If you are intimidated by the opulence of the clubhouse you can easily loose sight of the fact it's there for your benefit.

[torontodude]

I think you might have mis-understood.

Acting like you belong does not mean acting like a jerk. It does not mean to act like you own the place. It also does not have the attitude of 'I spend the big $, I can do what I so choose'.

Acting like you belong means be assertive without being demanding or arrogance, don't act like a tourist, leave the camera at home, speak with confident with the staff and to the point, don't complain too much about anything, tip appropriately, develop a relationship with the staff the moment you drop off your bag, make some self deprecating jokes with the starter and the marshall, flirt but do not cross the line with the cart girl (tip but don't over tip her as well), dress appropriately (don't dress like a pro from head to toe, tug in your shirt, etc). I can go on and on....

This is crazy. Why should I have to change my personality and act like an entirely different person to play a golf course? There is really only one thing that makes me belong there and that is paying their green fees and following the rules. From the story's here, I would never go to Eagles Nest.

[Petedv]

Played in a Tournamnet there on Monday and have to say that the Course is amazing and the service and staff were top notch.

I know some of you will want to say ... "yea ... but it was a tournament" ... but I still think that the folks there understand their service model regardless.

I will be playing their again soon and you should check it out too .. Thanks

[RobertThompson]

This is crazy. Why should I have to change my personality and act like an entirely different person to play a golf course? There is really only one thing that makes me belong there and that is paying their green fees and following the rules. From the story's here, I would never go to Eagles Nest.

Eagles Nest is simply a great public golf course. And if you dress and act like you're going to any quality golf course, you'll fit in fine.

There's a different side to the story that started this thread -- but I don't think that individual wants it known. Let's put it this way -- Eagles Nest is a great facility run by professionals. Now if you almost drive your cart onto a green, you might find they aren't as receptive to you...

[jmr73]

Nada, Zero, Zilch

We did receive two bottles of water in our cooler but that was it. Nothing was offered either. We actually considered purchasing one of their divot tools....... but they wanted $30 for it..... uhhhhh... no thanks. :eek: :rofl:

When I pay that much for a round I sort of expect that certain things are just provided (i.e. Yardage book) and at the very least a cart that works through 18 holes.

Like I said, it was a very strange day indeed, too bad

Sounds like you never even asked for a yardage book. It is possible that someone simply forgot to add one to your cart. From the sounds of it, most other people got one. You sound like you were determined to be dissapointed no matter how your day turned out.

Employees turning off the cart remotely? I am sure there is a lot more to the story than what you are saying here.


There's a different side to the story that started this thread -- but I don't think that individual wants it known. Let's put it this way -- Eagles Nest is a great facility run by professionals. Now if you almost drive your cart onto a green, you might find they aren't as receptive to you...

Ahhh... I thought so. Come on OP, fess up.

[Bellyhungry]

Sounds like you never even asked for a yardage book. It is possible that someone simply forgot to add one to your cart. From the sounds of it, most other people got one. You sound like you were determined to be dissapointed no matter how your day turned out.

Employees turning off the cart remotely? I am sure there is a lot more to the story than what you are saying here.

Ahhh... I thought so. Come on OP, fess up.

Very true....While stuck behind the slow 4-some as a 2-some and getting some water, we mentioned in passing to the cart girl that cart girl if she could do something about it. She apparently radioed the marshall and we were greeted by a marshall the next tee (now that is responsive). He was a bit apologetic and defensive initially which I assumed was the result of having to deal with demanding people all day. But we told him it was not a big deal, and that we were just wondering if he could help get us through faster given that he knew the pace of the whole course and if he could make some suggestions, and we continued with more small talks. His demeanor changed soon after and he did inform the group in front of us to let us play through if they were ready. He also gave us some free water at the turn and provided advises on the course condition and nuiances for the day.

[seabird]

i came across this old post and just had to put in my 2 cents.

i have played eagles nest a few times but my first was the most memorable.

i was with 3 others, all business collegues and we were all playing the course for the first time. on the 2nd or 3rd hole a maintenance working comes flying up to us in his cart and says "do you know why i'm here"...we all look at him and say no?? well he goes on to say we were in the fescue and that he gave us a warning and the next time, we would be finished for the day. fact is that between the fairway and cart path there were several well worn track marks from carts and we just assumed it was fine to use these. we explained this to him and he was still a total jerk about it and was on a total power trip.

so onto to the back 9 and i think we were on the 11th tee deck (the elevated one). we are waiting for the group in front to hit their second shot and the marshall is waiting with us. he goes on to tell us to keep things moving b/c there is a 3 some behind us and we are slowing them down. at this point i just lost it. i told the jerk to take a hike as we are probably spending close to a 1k bucks here and we are not going to rush through our round.

all in all i my first impression of the course was terrible....it ruined our day and also cost a lot of money.

it still pisses me off to this day and i avoid playing there at all cost just out of principle.

[caddishack]

I played a week ago and the starter gave us a yardage book but only 1 per cart, so I bet they were running out of them for the season and didn't re-order them or the starter to lazy to open another box. The carts shutting down is weird as they have no gps in them so how would you as a golfer have any forewarning, unless you were blatantly off course. I know Tangle Creek has that on their carts but there is a gps which informs you and then cuts out if you don't go back to the path.

[JR59]

When I was there back in june they were only giving out one book per cart as well. I thought that was a little odd but I wanted one so I told the starter that it was my birthday so he'd give me another one. It actually was my birthday.