My husband, uncle, cousin, and I golfed at Hillview yesterday for the 6:30 PM tee time. It was my husband's very first time golfing and my first time ever playing a 9-hole course. We were excited to try it, especially after reading on the website that Hillview welcomes golfers of all skill levels.
Unfortunately, our experience was overshadowed by an interaction with a staff member. As we were finishing the first hole, a young employee approached us and told us that we needed to be faster and that there was "no reason" for us to be spending that much time on one hole. We explained that we were beginners and genuinely didn't realize there was an expected pace of play. While he acknowledged that it was our first time, the way the message was delivered felt dismissive and unwelcoming rather than helpful.
What made the situation more frustrating was that there was nobody behind us. We had booked the last tee time of the evening, so we weren't holding up other golfers. Additionally, at no point when we paid just under $200 were we informed that there was a time limit or that we were expected to complete each hole within a certain timeframe. That information would have been very helpful for first-time players like us.
The interaction completely changed the atmosphere for us. It took the enjoyment out of the experience to the point that I stopped playing, and so did my uncle, as we were there as his guests.
I don't blame the young employee personally, as I'm sure he was following instructions from management. However, there are much better ways to approach new golfers. A friendly reminder such as, "Just so you know, we try to keep groups moving at a certain pace. Since you're new, here are a few tips that might help. Enjoy your round!" would have been much more appropriate and welcoming.
What disappointed me most is that Hillview's website specifically states that the course is for everyone and welcomes golfers of all skill levels. As beginners, we didn't feel that reflected in our experience.
It's unfortunate because we were genuinely enjoying ourselves until that moment. New golfers should leave feeling encouraged to come back, not embarrassed or discouraged from continuing to play. read more