Maples of Ballentrae

[QUICKME]

I just thought I would share my @#%$ experience there. My company held their first annual department golf tournament. We decided to book Maples of Ballantrae because of its location and the fact that they have a fairly new clubhouse. BOY WAS THAT A MISTAKE. Rob Schimdt is the general manager there and he was a terrible representation of that course. I called and ask to see if we can get a tournament rate for 8 groups. He offered me the normal twilight rate and said he was doing me a favor. WOW, thanks!!! After some talking I had convinced him to let us go 1 hour prior to the twilight rate. He agreed and I asked how much would food be. For the amazing deal of $20 per person he would make us Hotdogs... I decided against that and I asked if he could charge us $80 for green fees, cart and $15 in certificates to the clubhouse so we would be forced to spend it there. ($50 for green fee, $15 for cart). I figured it was a nice gesture on my part to help him out for giving me an one hour grace on our tee times. He was fine with that and he sent the contract. After the contract and deposit was recieved he was a ghost. It was quite impossible to get a hold of.

Tournament day was $^#$ up!!! He had booked us for 12 instead of 11, all our meals that we used our vouchers for took minimum 40 minutes to make... how do you take 40 minutes to fry fish and chips? I was not a happy camper. He calls the next day and says " I heard we had a misunderstanding." ... Ya think! I was willing to forget about it until he said that it was my fault and I said I wanted it at Noon...WHAT'S THE POINT OF BOOKING FOR THE SAME AS YOU CHARGE NORMALLY? We had tried to raise money for Charity from this tourny so I asked that if he could make a donation to the Charity we chose.. His exact words were "Because of the fantastic deal I gave you it will be impossible to do that..." HE CHARGED ME FULL POP!! I even forced everyone to eat there and spend money at his club house. Long story short...NEVER GO TO MAPLES OF BALLANTRAE FOR ANYTHING...I would not play there if you paid me!!! THATS BAD IF IM PASSING ON FREE GOLF...

Thats for listening to me vent TGN!!!

[Fuzzy]

Your experience sounds pretty bad. On the flip side, I was in a tournament at MofB this summer that went very well. The course organization, meals, etc. were great.

[iyell4]

Just because we live in a market where there is a high-demand for golf facilities does not mean we should be treated poorly! It really did not sound like the GM went out of his way to 'exceed' your expectations which is too bad. Don't they know how important it is too treat tournament guests with an extra level of care? So much of a course's rep is by word-of-mouth, how can you afford to dis-satisfy 12 foursomes?!?! ...
Remember, when we have a positive customer experience, we usually tell 2 or 3 people.... but, when we have a negative customer experience we usually tell 12 to 15 people on average about our BAD experience! My numbers may be a bit off, but you get the idea.

Sounds like you won't be having your 2nd Annual Tourney @ MOB next year.

I was planning on playing there before the end of the season because I saw their special promo ... $55 (cart incl.) M-Thu teeing off between NOON and 3PM.
You've given me 2nd thoughts. :(

[QUICKME]

Remember, when we have a positive customer experience, we usually tell 2 or 3 people.... but, when we have a negative customer experience we usually tell 12 to 15 people on average about our BAD experience! My numbers may be a bit off, but you get the idea.

Sounds like you won't be having your 2nd Annual Tourney @ MOB next year.

I was planning on playing there before the end of the season because I saw their special promo ... $55 (cart incl.) M-Thu teeing off between NOON and 3PM.
You've given me 2nd thoughts. :([/QUOTE]
You are sooooooooo right about how us die hard golfers talk... Thats right MOB we golfers gossip!! (wow i'm bitter!!) Mill Run has great deals and its a great course... they even have GPS in their carts...

“18 Holes with Cart” $55.00 per person
Monday-Friday After 1:00 P.M. -- After 2:00 P.M. Weekends/Holidays

You'll have fun there iyell4!!

[BadBadGolfer]

Here's my tid bit about Maples. The last time I booked there I called to book for a Saturday at noon for a twosome. The proshop guy said no problem Saturday noon. My friend calls them up on the Friday before to see if we can squeeze a third person in there for our time. The guys tries to look up our time and said sorry we had missed our tee time, which they had us down for Friday instead of Saturday, and that Saturday was booked til 3:46pm, my friend just put our threesome down for that time. I had to go down to Burlington at 6pm on Saturday so it was not a possibility. So I called them back to cancel the time for Saturday. The proshop guy says sorry we need 48hrs notice to cancel a tee time. (pissy tone btw) But I made it known to him that it was their mistake first of all that they booked us for Fri and not Saturday as intended. He goes and talks to someone and comes back and tells me, 'k, fine,we won't charge your credit, but don't let that happen again, we need 48 hours notice.'

I was shocked that he made no mention, nor apology to the fact they screwed up in the first place with our bookings and he has the nerve to reprimand me for cancelling without 48 hours notice. sheesh.

done with my rant.

[westbeach]

Played there this past weekend. I think we were the second group out. Anwways, the foursome ahead of us is done one hole ahead of us. We finished our round in exactly 4 hrs. The starter/marshall comes out to us after we putted out on the 18th green to tell us, "Just so you know, the group ahead of you finished in 3:30hrs". We're thinking...that's great buddy. They were leaving the 18th when we were getting to the tee and you're telling me it takes us 30 mins to play a par 3?!? Add to the fact that we played our round in 4hrs in the fog. Anyways, didn't know what the point was especially when the twosome behind us weren't even on the 17th green which we happily pointed out to him. His reply, "Keep up next time".

[BadBadGolfer]

it's not to say Maples isn't a nice track, but little things with the staff leave a sour taste in your mouth.

[tjhayko]

Wow, sounds like some people have had some pretty bad experiences at Maples of Ballentrae.

I attended a corporate outing there earlier in the year, and I had no complaints. Not outstanding, but definitely not a bad experience. Perhaps it's because we didn't call it a "tournament".

I do think that if do keep spreading the word when we have bad experiences, the courses will eventually smarten up.

[under4hrs]

There are always times when you might catch somebody on a bad day, but this type of story is all too common in the GTA...too many courses treat the golfing public like we have nowhere else to go.


I recently organized an event for 24 guys and put out some requests to local courses - 50% didn't even respond, and the ones that did gave me a deal where we wwere paying full pop and the twilight for 36 holes in a day...gee, that was mighty nice of them!

Needless to say, the best offer came back from a Clublink course via one of our players being a member. They gave us two round, carts, and lunch in a package price. But this was not it - they treated each and every player like a member, looked after us all day, and then supplied us with hats after the round. Needless to say the players were all very appreciative.

Moral of the story - here is a private course that understands the value of the experience...too many of the public courses ride along on the supply/demand curve they are enjoying currently - and I cannot wait until it swings back the other way...keep building courses I say!!

[golferboy]

Been there many times...course is ok but the clubhouse/proshop(joke!!) totally sucks....:help: :hush:

[westbeach]

Working at a golf course of 5 years, I never really understood why people ask for a discount during PRIME TIME for outings? ie. why would Green Fee's be discounted for 9am to 11am tee times on Saturdays? I can see if the outing incl'd dinner and/or lunch but people have to realize that the tee times will sell for more and they will be sold.
Also, have you guys ever played behind tournaments? How much longer does it take?
So for the folks playing directly behind a tournament, you're also going to have a lot of angry people b/c they played a 5.5 to 6 hr round.
I can understand a price break if it was non-prime time but if it the fees are already discounted originally (twilite or noon rate), then why would people expect the extra discount?

[racmbs]

Working at a golf course of 5 years, I never really understood why people ask for a discount during PRIME TIME for outings? ie. why would Green Fee's be discounted for 9am to 11am tee times on Saturdays? I can see if the outing incl'd dinner and/or lunch but people have to realize that the tee times will sell for more and they will be sold.
Also, have you guys ever played behind tournaments? How much longer does it take?
So for the folks playing directly behind a tournament, you're also going to have a lot of angry people b/c they played a 5.5 to 6 hr round.
I can understand a price break if it was non-prime time but if it the fees are already discounted originally (twilite or noon rate), then why would people expect the extra discount?Ok, so let me try and understand this.....

You bring three of your friends to play golf, you pay full pop and are cool with this....that's normal, any golfer in his right mind who'd expect a discount for four golfers should be dragged off the course by his underwear.

On the other hand you organize a tourney for say, 100 golfers. They SPEND money, buying drinks, food, etc....you're telling me you aren't going to expect some kind of price break, REGARDLESS of the time slot?

If that's the case bro....you've missed the train entirely.

The rich don't get richer by NOT asking for a deal.......

[Big Shooter]

Some valid points on both sides...

I'm still on the fence...like the course, hate playing behind tournaments! :hush:

[westbeach]

Ok, so let me try and understand this.....

You bring three of your friends to play golf, you pay full pop and are cool with this....that's normal, any golfer in his right mind who'd expect a discount for four golfers should be dragged off the course by his underwear.

On the other hand you organize a tourney for say, 100 golfers. They SPEND money, buying drinks, food, etc....you're telling me you aren't going to expect some kind of price break, REGARDLESS of the time slot?

If that's the case bro....you've missed the train entirely.

The rich don't get richer by NOT asking for a deal.......
Yes, you are looking at the customer side of things. If you are a course owner and know that your course at a particular time will be filled regardless of tournament or not, would you discount your fees to accomodate the tournament? I can assure you that tournaments are a great revenue for golf courses but only if they book it during non-prime time when the course would otherwise not be filled.

The rich also don't get richer by GIVING money away.

Another note, I'm sure in your lifetime of golf, you've played behind a group outing of 10+ 4somes. I can almost assure you that its a guaranteed 5 hr round and it wouldn't be the most pleasant experience.

[westbeach]

So after reading through Quickme's first post again, it doesn't add up.

Assuming the tourney was on a weekend, MoB's twilight rate is $45 and cart is $12 per rider. You're saying you got the twilight rate and you paid $50 and $15 per cart?

If it wasn't the twilite rate that you got a break from and it was indeed the prime rate that you got a break from, than I would say you made out pretty well fees wise.

As for the food preparation, I would have to take your comments with a grain of salt. 40 mins to prepare!?! $20 and Hot Dog as your main meal!? Lets try not to exaggerate to make a point.

[Big Shooter]

So after reading through Quickme's first post again, it doesn't add up.



As for the food preparation, I would have to take your comments with a grain of salt. 40 mins to prepare!?! $20 and Hot Dog as your main meal!? Lets try not to exaggerate to make a point.
Yah, I didn't get this either!? :rolleyes:

[Bellyhungry]

Played at MoB earlier this year on a weekday afternoon as a two-some. There was a mini-tourney in front of us - probably 12-16 people.

The starter was great - gave us tips to play the course, let us play as two-some rather then squeezing in 2 other people, and gave us free water - all this while we were waiting to tee off. the only problem I had with the starter was that he recommended me to play Westview!!

The tourney in front of us were moving along fine.

All in all, it was a decent experience, aided with the fact that I almost made a hole in one in the 18th hole.

[Ego Woods]

Played there once this season...it's an ok track...but prices are obviously a bit more on the high side. $45 for twilight and no carts...I believe there are better courses to play for the price...

I also bought 2 gatorades there...not thru the cart tart, but thru the bar at the beginning of my round......$3.75 for one 591ml bottle....:eek:

[QUICKME]

So after reading through Quickme's first post again, it doesn't add up.

Assuming the tourney was on a weekend, MoB's twilight rate is $45 and cart is $12 per rider. You're saying you got the twilight rate and you paid $50 and $15 per cart?

If it wasn't the twilite rate that you got a break from and it was indeed the prime rate that you got a break from, than I would say you made out pretty well fees wise.

As for the food preparation, I would have to take your comments with a grain of salt. 40 mins to prepare!?! $20 and Hot Dog as your main meal!? Lets try not to exaggerate to make a point.
Hi Westbeach,

Here is the pricing that you would get if you and 4 buddys went to MOB on the same day and time we had that mini tourny.
August & September Green Fee’s



Monday to Thursday

$45 Between 12 Noon-3:00pm



Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Holidays

$55 Between 12 Noon-3:00pm



Prices include applicable taxes

You must mention this special at the time of booking.



August & September Cart Fee’s



Monday to Thursday

$10 Between 12 Noon-3:00pm



Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Holidays

$10 Between 12 Noon-3:00pm





MOB wanted us to add $20 for Hot Dogs and Hamburgers. My point is that with all the courses in the GTA and Ontario, We chose their course. Are course owners not happy that you chose their course to hold a tourny?

We charged everyone who played $85 for the tourny.

$65 green fee
$15 food voucher
$5 charity
--------
$85 tourny fee

[iyell4]

We charged everyone who played $85 for the tourny.

$65 green fee
$15 food voucher
$5 charity
--------
$85 tourny fee
20 bucks for dogs and burgers is kinda steep. hopefully that included a couple of beers and all applicable taxes.

if your tourney fee was actually $85 .. i guess the charity ended up with $0 :( 'cuz MOB charged you guys $20 for food.

my understanding of the cost accounting:
$65 green fee ( ($55 green fee + $10 cart)
$20 food voucher
$0 charity
---------
$85 tournament fee

[iyell4]

... and to provide a balanced view of this tournament ...
i know you inquiring-minds need to know ...
"Thank you for forwarding the recent posting to my attention & as I indicated in my earlier email there are 2 sides to every story & as you indicated you would like to have my view which I am forwarding to you.

I was initially contacted on August 11 for a tournament inquiry for 30 golfers, a company gathering of the sales department. We did have space available on the date in request. I quoted the rate which was the $65 All In Golf & Cart with Tee Off beginning after 12 Noon (Regular Weekend Green Fee Rate $85). The organizer was trying to negotiate, using another club, their rate and the fact that he had 32 golfers. Negotiation on a weekend date in September was not possible. He was going back to the other club and would make a decision at a later date.
As well the organizer mentioned that he had another potential group of 28 golfers for a stag at the end of August again on a weekend date with a short notice of 16 days very close to our 14 day booking policy on a busy day booked from 12 Noon onwards with other groups. I did have space to accommodate prior to 12 Noon and would offer & honor the $65 All In Golf & Cart. He would have to get back to me quickly to confirm the space.
I followed up on August 16th at which point no decision on the Stag for late August was made but the September date was verbally confirmed. Space was still available for the August 27th date before Noon 7 times starting at 11:04am which I blocked on his behalf.
At the time the organizer & I where negotiating and discussing a Food&Beverage plan. Money was in question so I offered our luncheon, Deluxe Patio BBQ which we charge $14 inclusive at lunch time or $20 inclusive at dinner (double meat). BBQ offering the guests a choice of Burgers, Sausage, Chicken + 3 Deli Salads + Cookies & Tarts for Dessert. At no time were "Hot Dogs" mentioned or offered. Post-Golf Function Reserved seating on our patio or in our Banquet room 30 pax., Chef attended BBQ for themselves. Normal dinner pricing. At this point a contract was drafted up with a 12:04pm, 1st Tee Time for the group for 30 golfers at $65 inc. and a dinner rate of $20 inc. was also included in the contract & sent on August 16th. with all these particulars included in the contract.
I called back on August 19th to find out about the August 27th Stag at which time he released the space.
I had requested the signed contract for the September 25th date returned by August 26 with the appropriate advanced deposit to confirm a definite booking. I called back on the 26th to get the signed contract which I did receive on the 26th but was under another individuals name and credit card for the advanced deposit.
The mid week of September 12th I called the initial contact back to confirm details...#'s, On course activities, F&B and anything else. At this point the F&B plan changed for this F&B voucher system which I was leary about but agreed to. I should have used my better judgment in hind sight.
I had prepared customized $10 F&B vouchers to be utilized at the clubhouse pre & post golf as well as a $5 F&B voucher to be utilized on course as the client wished.
During the week before the event (on the Thursday Sept 22nd) I had our Head Professional contact the organizer for the player list as well as answer any questions or address changes they may have. Prior to this the organizer had called and wanted to know our rain check policy, I assumed when our HP called this would have been clarified.
On the Saturday I was in the office received another message from the organizer and called him back leaving a message on his office voicemail on the Saturday explaining our rain check policy.
Gameday Sunday September 25th I did take the day off but called in as I normally do at which time I was told the client and all his group where here early at 9:30am ish for their understood 11:00am tee off. The tee sheet was full, their times blocked at 12:04pm as per contract & all discussions. If we could have sent the group off any earlier we would have but could not, the tee sheet was full. At first the organizer and the individual whom signed the contract did not believe the error was on their part until they saw the signed contract.
Now the organizer was requesting to our Head Professional to provide complimentary range, carts, coffee etc. which he was denied.
The F&B vouchers where utilized by golfers for the most part post-golf which was my initial concern as all the individual orders came in at once. The group tried to gather in one of our banquet rooms, some where in the lounge while others where in the dining room. We tried to service them the best we could, all at once, different orders and throughout the facility. The reason the organizer wished not to have an organized function as he thought some people would be leaving early & would be unable to stay as a group.
I offered Golf-only for the group and that the individuals could be on their own for F&B throughout the day. The organizer insisted on this voucher plan. The majority of the group stayed after golf. The original BBQ offering in a group setting would have worked out ideal either on the patio or in the Banquet room in which the majority ended up.
I followed up with a call on Monday yesterday ... apologizing for the confusion trying to shed a light on how the confusion could have occurred with respect of the 2 separate bookings and their start times. As in the email slandering of Maples began I apologized once again, he requested another free donation of some sort for the so called charity at which I answered that I would take into consideration. We donated a Golf Hat & Towel with a $50 retail value on the day of the event for to be used at their discression.
I have reframed from using this individuals name and company name which he booked the tournmant under and have explained in a professional manner the details on this event. The slanderous representation of myself and the golf club are false with the TGN posting.
I can assure you all of us at Maples of Ballantrae provide a quality product and service with many, many satisfied customers.

Rob Schmidt
General Manager
Maples of Ballantrae"

[snafu]

I'm not one to take sides here but..
Do I believe the course or the person who feels as if they were ripped off...

The truth probably lays somewhere in the middle but rather than sit on the fence..
Given my experiences with more than a few courses and the way they deal with tournaments

I'd probably side with QUICKME.

In hindsight, you probably should have gone with your first choice.

http://www.torontogolfnuts.com/showthread.php?t=2646

[westbeach]

Wow...talk about ironic. I played there on the same day and we were coming off the course just as the tourney was getting off.
Looked like over 20+ people on the first tee basically waiting to play. Not a good scene.
This thread is a good lesson for those looking to become an organizer in the future.