I attended a paint-night event at Golf Ballin last night, and unfortunately, my first visit will…read morealso be my last.
When my friend and I arrived, we took some fun pictures outside and were genuinely excited about the space. I even said we should come back to play mini golf. My boyfriend was recently seriously injured in a mountain-biking accident and commented that golf may be one of the few sports he can participate in while recovering, so I was also interested in asking about purchasing beginner clubs for both of us.
Upon entering, I took a sparkling water from an unlocked refrigerator and carried it to the bar area, where my friend was trying to find out how we could pay for the event. She knows the owner and asked him directly. His response was, "This is not my thing. I am the owner," delivered in a very blunt and unwelcoming manner.
As I picked up the unopened drink and began walking toward the painting area, the owner called me back in front of everyone and told me the drinks were "for members only." There were no signs on the refrigerator indicating that, and I had been standing at the bar trying to pay. He then said I could put money in a box. I only had $20 bills, so my friend gave me a dollar. The owner responded with something along the lines of, "I'll take the $20."
This was never about a 50-cent sparkling water. It was about the unnecessarily harsh and embarrassing way the situation was handled. A simple, friendly explanation. "Just so you know, those are normally for members, but you can leave a dollar in the box" would have resolved everything. Instead, I felt publicly called out over an honest mistake caused by unclear signage. No clue that it was a membership type of place.
Although I still paid for the paint night and the drink, the interaction made me feel so unwelcome that I left shortly after sitting down. I left behind all of my painting supplies and the drink, still unopened. I was also no longer comfortable asking about lessons, memberships, mini golf, or buying starter clubs from the store.
What made the experience worse was the owner's response when my friend later explained why we left. Rather than simply taking responsibility for how he spoke to a first-time guest, he wrote, "Sorry you feel that way," questioned why the interaction "warranted wanting to leave," and referenced not knowing someone's "life, emotions or day." That did not feel like a sincere apology. It felt like the responsibility was being placed on me for reacting to behavior that he himself acknowledged may have come across as "blunt, harsh or rude."
My friend and I each have more than ten years of hospitality experience. Owning a business open to the public means every person who enters is a potential customer--even if they are attending someone else's event. Clear signage and basic kindness would have prevented this entire situation. The owner said he will now label the refrigerators and snack areas, which is appropriate, but I hope he also considers hospitality training and reflects on how he communicates with patrons who are trying to support his business.
I arrived excited to enjoy the event and potentially return with my boyfriend. I left embarrassed, uncomfortable, and certain that I will not be back. Be aware! If you are not from the small town or a "member" you will not be greeted with hospitality.
