Golf Forums - A society issue - advice needed...

Hi Guys

I am a member of a golf society and recently some issues have been raised to the society organizer which have basically fell on deaf ears to the tune of "if you dont like it play elsewhere"

the issues raised were with the pricing of certain events where as on the society website the package price is stated but if you do some research yourself with the course you can get a cheaper deal than advertised on the society event page.

now within the society price is inclusive of trophies but taking this into account the price they quote is still higher than "joe public" can get the same deal for.

when asked about the price of these events 2 members of the society have now been banned for 6 months with no real warning or anything else for the posts they put on the site.

i have got screenshots of post by the society organiser should anyone want to see them


in his first post he mentions the posts he removed 1 of which was from another society higher member and i quote "if you are accusing us of fiddling then have the pair to say it" (have the pair was very much more explicit than that"
then another post on the forum came up

now in this second post he mentions vindictive and personal posts and has subsequently banned 2 people from the society

i did see all the posts involved and there were no personal attacks on any member just issues raised with the pricing as also stated in his post, yes there were a couple of swear words used 1 i have already exampled.

now how can he Ban 2 people for asking about prices and using vindictive posting yet allow another member to get away scott free and also post his thoughts

feedback required please

 

 This is a tough one Darren. Similar questions have been asked with other society games (although not with the out come of yours) Ultimately the answer unfortunately is to vote with your feet. There shouldn't be a need to get involved in a slanging match (although I believe you should always state your opinion), only join games you particuly which to play in, and only if you consider the charge fair.  We all know the various offers and deals available, but sometimes we have to choose to ignore the obvious, if we really want to be a part of a particular game, that said I suspect it is only a matter of time before the dictators of the poorly run societies find their audience diminishes.

Ditto Mark and Ian.  Enough said.  Also, this is a social site.  We don't join or play for a living.  If unhappy - leave.  It's not worth the grief.  There are plenty of other societies and Open games to choose from.

 Hi Darren . Full agreement with my 3 previous friends.
As an organiser myself, at times it can be very difficult  trying to keep everybody happy.
Your guy certainly seems to have dealt with it strangely . Whether  or not he has something to hide only he knows.
For me,find a group your comfortable with and you will enjoy your golf much more

 Repeat what the others say really. 

Personally I'd let them get on with it and post and play more games with us TSGers 

 If I voiced my opinion on anything, golf or not, and was consequently banned for one day, let alone 6 months, they would never see me again.

i remember a similiar situation regarding the away coach travel for my supporters club. The price slowly crept up and it was then rumoured the committee were not paying. However in this example it was still cheaper than going with the official coaches so it was a case of like it or lump it really or pay more just to make a point.

Anyway back on to golf. I think a lot of clubs take the mickey regarding societies as, what has already been mentioned, if you research prices it is often cheaper to pay for the round and then have food separately.

I also never accept the first price quoted anyway unless it is a great deal in the first place such as Gatton Manor last week for £20 when its normally £45.

Hi Darren -  First and foremost ,the whole idea of a golf day should be about having a great time!

However as an organiser myself, I understand your plight. So let me state the following:

* The Society should be transparent for all to see.
* Every members voice should be heard and taken into consideration.
* The luxury of Societies being able to book games weeks or months in advance may cost a little extra (individuals and sometimes even club members are not able to do this). 
* Society games are not often in conjunction with other offers (eg 2 fore 1, etc).

But most importantly, remember, its all about having fun - if your not enjoying it, there's something wrong!  

NB: The Social golfer is open to new societies should you care to form one. 

Good Luck!

I concur with most of my learned colleagues on this matter... Organising games can be a challenge but should be as transaparent as possible.  

I'd only re-iterate that the game should be enjoyed and if anything detracts from that enjoyment then it is often best to find a new group to play with... or form a group of one's own.

Here is an update

after the head honcho monitoring the post i have made he has now decided that i am trolling and bringing the society into disrepute and susequently barred me from the society now.

hahaha laughable

also after asking some price related issue and producing facts to prove there is something amiss he has basically deleted my society accouont and blocked me from the facebook group they have

some of us within the society could see this coming and last year we did slightly break away and form a small society where we do have a laugh and banter and are all aware of all prices and pricing structure where nothing is left hidden.

thanks for all your comments guys i really appreciated them.

Good for you Darren, as others have quite rightly pointed out, the object in playing golf, is to enjoy the experience, but there will always be those looking to satisfy their own particular agenda, be it a power play or making a buck etc. Best to ignore them and in this case, set up your own society or group...ideally through the TSG...that's what it's for, as it can be open or closed, whatever suits your fancy. Happy golfing in Lincolnshire. I hope you post a game now and then, as I for one travel up there a few of times a year to visit family.