Golfing Central Florida's
The Club at Eaglebrooke

A Professional's Courtesy
Part 2

by Anthony Scaggs

Silently, I reflected on my experience with other golf professionals, both on and off the golf course. I have always found them to be refined, sophisticated, courteous, and professional. In their chosen sport they occupy the rarefied level of the top one- percent and earn the title of "Class A Professional". In this instance, Eaglebrooke's Head Professional, John Greiner, fell into a minute group of athletes known as the "D" class, "A Discourteous Professional." They exist in all sports. Fortunately, they are in the minority.

The course is beautiful and challenging but so is the Southern Dunes. The slope and ranking of both courses are almost identical. Huntington Hills Golf & Country Club is close. Southern Dunes is longer. While Eaglebrooke lists the placement of the tee markers on the tee box as Courses 1 through 6, it has 18 holes. The Cleveland Heights Golf Course at Lakeland has 27 holes. As for enjoyment and challenge to the typical golfer, the aforementioned courses plus Highland Reserve and Baytree will offer you as much, if not more, than Eaglebrooke.

Unfortunately, this event took up more of our time. At dinner, I listened as several golfers discussed the role of the Head Professional and the Pro Shop Staff in the golfer's experience. Some thought that a golfer should play the course and forget everything else. When one plays in a tournament, I agree with that approach. While in a tournament, one team may play against another or one person against another, the reality is one is playing against the course. The person or team that makes the fewest mistakes and manages the course the best will have the lowest score. However, an overwhelming majority of players are recreational golfers who are there to have fun. As humans we all know that outside events do impact how we feel and perform. Unless it is a tournament, I believe that golfers will always support a course whose attitude, excitement and love of the game match their own.

This is a sport in which manners, courtesy, respect and consideration do matter. Civility is the foundation of Golf's traditions. As more courses are built and fewer rounds are being played (current trends) human nature dictates that we will spend our discretionary funds where we have positive experiences.

The key word is discretionary, which means we chose where to spend our money.

This was my first impression at a specific moment in time with a small but important part of the Eaglebrooke staff. I have no idea if or belief that this attitude reflects the membership or other members of Eaglebrooke's staff.

There are many explanations as to why this incident occurred. There are as many if not more positve ways to have handled it. Neither a member nor nonmember should spend their recreational time adjusting to a staff person's attitude "du jour."

I found the course challenging and attractive.

Contacts:

Central Florida Visitors and Convention Bureau
P.O. Box 8040
Cypress Gardens, FL 33884
Tel: 863-298-7565
www.sunsational.org

The Terrace Hotel
329 E. Main Street
Lakeland, FL 33801
(888) 644-8400 - Toll Free
(863) 688-0800
www.terracehotel.com

Best Western Admiral's Inn
5665 Cypress Gardens Blvd.
Winter Haven, FL 33884
Tel: 800-247-2799
863-324-5950
www.bestwesternadmiralsinn.com