Opinion on a rain check

[TheCityGame]

So a year ago, I was fortunate enough to play Streamsong and treat my father. We got totally rained out. We got a rain check. I was sort of disappointed. This is a destination golf course, not the muni down the road. They know this. But, whatever -- I can see their side of it.

 

So, we're finally getting a chance to go back.

 

The rates for this season have increased in a year from $225 per round to $255 per round.

 

The raincheck has a value on it of $225 and indeed, they told me that I have to make up the difference. It's for the value, not the round of golf.

 

Just wondering what people think about that.

 

They increased their fees over 10% in a year. I'm not trying to take an off-season rain check for $100 and use it during high time. They've had my $450 wrapped up for a year.

 

Sure, I'm going to pay it. Yes, I'm lucky enough to be able to go play a course like that. Doesn't mean it doesn't rub me the wrong way. Am I crazy here?

[DavePelz4]

Respectfully, it's kind of like a gift card. It has a value of $225 and what you want to buy is $30 more. Especially seeing that you can't get there often, it's a good investment.

[TheGeekGolfer]

No, not crazy. I think that's a bit of a lame policy. I can see their position, too. Having to deal with different rates at different times of the year, various ways to book, etc. Makes it easier and less confusing to just give value back. If they gave you a 'free round voucher', they'd have to put a time limit on it, which might put some people off, also. Some people might only be able to go back at off season, due to other stuff. This gives them an option, too.

[MichiganMan]

I'd be curious to know how they would handle you using your $225 voucher during a period of time when the rates are much lower (for them it looks like Summer). Does that mean you'd be able to play more than just the one round? From a business standpoint, I find that hard to believe.

[sheldonjhacker]

Lame-they should honor the old price. :russian_roulette:

[Hot Rod 71]

We've given people rain checks in the off season and had them come back to redeem them during peak season and I've never made them pay the difference. I don't think anyone else has either.

 

Keep in mind we are a semi-private, daily fee course.

[tatertot]

Respectfully, it's kind of like a gift card. It has a value of $225 and what you want to buy is $30 more. Especially seeing that you can't get there often, it's a good investment.

 

On the other hand ... If I buy a $450 driver and it breaks in a month, and since then the price has gone up to $500, I shouldn't have to pay an $50 to replace my driver.

 

I can see it both ways ... good customer service says the course eats the $50 though.

[SilverBullets]

It makes sense to me. I don't like the policy, I understand why they do it. I would bet they have seasonal rates and daily varying rates. So a round in October does not cost the same amount as a round in June. A round at 8 am might cost more than a round at 1 pm. If you got rained out during a round of golf from an offseason round than you shouldn't be able to use that same rain check for a peak season round. 2 ways to combat this are to mark the rain check as what season it was played in or just giving it a dollar value. The dollar value approach, to me at least, is better because it can be used at anytime of the year as an applied value to the future cost.

[duffer987]

IMHO, for a property that is trying to carve out a place as a high-end destination golf resort, it strikes me as pretty chintzy.

 

TBH, I'd be interested in their T&Cs. If they say it is essentially a gift-voucher then making up the price difference is just the way it is. Do they have a no-rain cheque/no refund policy for anything other than thunder/monsoon where they forbid you from going out?

Was it an option to just get a refund? I've never played anywhere on holidays, where we haven't accepted the brutal conditions and gone out and played in them, so it hasn't come up.

[VNutz]

I can see both sides. They did what they could to try to make it up to you, I know it's a destination course but you did have all year to try to use it. I'd like to see them waive the extra $30 given your situation, but that's probably the exception rather than the rule based on how it seems they're run as a business. Myself, I've received several rain checks that expire within a year.

 

I know it stinks to pay extra, but once you get there it's only $30 out of your pocket (right now) to play a premier course, there are worse situations to be in.

[TheCityGame]

When I was getting the raincheck, so many people were asking them for refunds. There was a women from China in front of me explaining that she wasn't coming back to the States. They didn't budge on anyone.

 

I will add this to my OP. . .my rain check was supposed to be good through February 28th. They let me extend it by a week because of my plans. Very nice. THAT SAID. . .

 

1) IMO, there shouldn't be a date on it at all, especially if it's just for cash value. An expiration date is used to guard against "higher than inflation" price increases.

2) I am still using it in the "same season". February 28th is same price as March 5th.

3) I called them LONG in advance to make sure this was OK.

 

Just seems like it would be good business to me. For example, while I was waiting for the weather to pass, I had two drinks at the bar. Dad had one. I tipped a caddie who wasn't even with my two-some for 5 holes of golf. I bought some overpriced gewgaw in the pro shop. Paid full price for a trolley rental. I'm not trying to nickel and dime my way around the place, but I don't feel like that is being reciprocated, even if they let me extend it a few days.

[The Pearl]

Does anybody know how Bandon's rain check policy works? I am pretty sure you get a voucher for a future round or you can use in the pro shops. I also don't think they expire, but I do not know if you have to pay the greens fee difference.

[WilliamSchmidt]

That is stupid. I guess they're not in any sort of mind set to acquire repeat business...

[golfandfishing]

Tough one for a destination course like this. A few points: you did start your round (played 5 holes), this almost always takes a refund off the table. Your rain check is for a full round - is it transferable - Could you have sold it on Craigslist or the like? If so, then I'm with them on a monetary value and expiration date. If not then there should be a reasonable amount of time for you to return to the area and play with no up charge, say the end of the same "season" the following year. After that and I would expect an additional fee, or be grateful to use it without an additional fee. In your case I'd be a bit perturbed since you are using it the following year as a traveler.

 

I do understand their stance though - with so many variables they have to have a rock solid policy. Otherwise every time it rains ( in Florida) they would need to deal with 200+ people who live in California and travel to Florida once a decade, locals who can play again next week, foreigners who will never be back, locals or frequent travelers trying to game the system and many, many more scenarios that everyone feels should be treated differently. Mention it to your caddie, if he's a good one he will pop some swag into your bag I bet - logo towel, divot tool, water bottle, something.

[hdr_ric]

IMHO, for a property that is trying to carve out a place as a high-end destination golf resort, it strikes me as pretty chintzy.

 

 

100% agree. Doesn't surprise me though. Google Streamsong and customer service.... or just search on this website.

[ckay]

It would rub me the wrong way too. Have you tried to escalate the issue to management?

[oregongolf]

Does anybody know how Bandon's rain check policy works? I am pretty sure you get a voucher for a future round or you can use in the pro shops. I also don't think they expire, but I do not know if you have to pay the greens fee difference.

 

It's cash value, you can use it for anything at the resort. No expiration.

 

This is likely a Kemper policy and I understand it. Makes perfect sense to me.

[TheCityGame]

IMHO, for a property that is trying to carve out a place as a high-end destination golf resort, it strikes me as pretty chintzy.

 

 

100% agree. Doesn't surprise me though. Google Steamsong and customer service.... or just search on this website.

I'm withholding judgment until I go back.

 

It was hectic when I was there because I got there after a delay. I played in the rain, even an extra hole because I wanted to get it in, but it was a deluge. Streams were running off the greens. I got in 5, but it was a miserable 5.

 

I didn't like how the pro-shop handled it. We weren't even off the first tee box box and the caddie for the other twosome comes up to me and goes, "why didn't you get a caddie?"

 

So, my first impressions weren't great.

 

I've been to Bandon and it was pricey, but I really felt like it was a golf geek paradise. I thought Streamsong felt a little like a playground for the rich (and a little famous. I saw Michael J Fox there that day). That's not to say anything about the golf. I thought the golf was awesome. I think the resort is much more of a destination for the well off than the golf wonderland that Bandon is.

[snoilr1]

Does anybody know how Bandon's rain check policy works? I am pretty sure you get a voucher for a future round or you can use in the pro shops. I also don't think they expire, but I do not know if you have to pay the greens fee difference.

 

It's cash value, you can use it for anything at the resort. No expiration.

 

This is likely a Kemper policy and I understand it. Makes perfect sense to me.

 

This makes perfect sense. It's remote, and they realize not everyone will be able to come back. If they present it as a gift card, At least you have the option to load upon swag, or spend it at the restaurant or bar before you leave. If you do make it back, you know the discount you have coming when you book.

 

If it were presented as a rain check for a future round, I would expect a free round. If there were an expiration date, I would expect to have to make up the difference only if it passed. (Provided it wasn't a crazy amount of time). I would also be left with a bad taste in my mouth if I were asked to cover the difference.

 

They're totally within their right to do what they're doing, but I would expect better from a business trying to sell themselves as a high end product.

[naws-golfer]

pardon the pun, but that's par for the course with them.

[cardoustie]

that is low brow for a high end facility

 

they can't see the forest for the trees

[cristphoto]

You were treated fairly. You spent $225 and were given a credit for $225. An upscale course has to stick to its policy or people will complain of disparate treatment. What if you got rained out on a Tuesday afternoon and wanted to use the rain check on a Saturday morning? Don't you think you would owe some out of pocket money?

[duffer987]

You were treated fairly. You spent $225 and were given a credit for $225. An upscale course has to stick to its policy or people will complain of disparate treatment. What if you got rained out on a Tuesday afternoon and wanted to use the rain check on a Saturday morning? Don't you think you would owe some out of pocket money?

 

No one is saying they want different treatment, than what their standard policies are.

The question was about their policy and does it strike anyone as a bit naff/cheap of them to ask for another $30 to top up the $225 paid over a year ago for a round of golf that has yet to be played. Comparable rounds of golf - as the OP said.

 

This isn't taking a Weds twilight rain check from Podunk GC and then showing up Sat morning and trying to get on with it. No one said or implied that was the intention.

They are supposed to be a top notch golf resort and you would think especially for one so new, they would be bending over backwards for their clientele - especially if they want to create the kind of good will that lead to repeat customers.

 

As a side note, they need to SEO up their site a bit better, compared to many of the other big North American ones their google results aren't great. And unlike the other big N.A. ones, they don't even have an FAQ or golf policies page, unless I totally missed it.

[BIG STU]

We've given people rain checks in the off season and had them come back to redeem them during peak season and I've never made them pay the difference. I don't think anyone else has either.

 

Keep in mind we are a semi-private, daily fee course.

That is the exact way my old man would have done it. He was all about customer service and a happy golfer

My home course here is semi private and they give tourists rain checks and will point out it is good any time of the season and does not have an expiration date you have to do that in a tourist area just good business sense

[eagles1]

If the rates had gone down, or the OP wanted to play during the off-season where the price would be less than the $225, you think the course would provide a credit/rebate for the difference? No chance.

 

Also, I don't think this is analogous to a "gift card" as by general rule, "gift cards" are no longer allowed to have expiration dates.

 

Bush league move by the course is my take.

[crazy8golfer]

I wonder how many rain checks they give out? My opinion, they should let anyone that receives a rain check play without paying any additional money.

[Petethreeput]

The fact you are unhappy is the proof the policy is flawed.

 

From a business perspective, gaining $60 at the expense of a future $500 is a tough sell for me. If you are like me, if they had not said anything I probably would have ponied up the second greens fee as a show of appreciation. Particularly bc the course is supposed to be fabulous, why not play it twice for a one time out of pocket (in my mind only, I know).

 

But they could be so busy they don't care, but from my perspective that seems unlikely.

[oregongolf]

If the rates had gone down, or the OP wanted to play during the off-season where the price would be less than the $225, you think the course would provide a credit/rebate for the difference? No chance.

 

Also, I don't think this is analogous to a "gift card" as by general rule, "gift cards" are no longer allowed to have expiration dates.

 

Bush league move by the course is my take.

 

Where does it say it has an expiration date? I didn't see it in the original post.

 

Kemper Sports manages Bandon Dunes, as well as Streamsong. Bandon Dunes gives you a credit for the value, in the form of a gift card. It is good for anything on property. Most people either bank it or spend it in the shop. I would imagine their policies are very similar, if not altogether the same.

 

[hdr_ric]

If the rates had gone down, or the OP wanted to play during the off-season where the price would be less than the $225, you think the course would provide a credit/rebate for the difference? No chance.

 

Also, I don't think this is analogous to a "gift card" as by general rule, "gift cards" are no longer allowed to have expiration dates.

 

Bush league move by the course is my take.

 

Where does it say it has an expiration date? I didn't see it in the original post.

 

Kemper Sports manages Bandon Dunes, as well as Streamsong. Bandon Dunes gives you a credit for the value, in the form of a gift card. It is good for anything on property. Most people either bank it or spend it in the shop. I would imagine their policies are very similar, if not altogether the same.

 

OP said in post #11 that it had an expiration date.

 

 

[HighSpeedScene]

Heck, lots of courses won't even give a raincheck if it's raining when you tee off, and many would have pro-rated it at least for holes played.

 

Course, it's been decades since I got a rain check. If it ain't a qualifier or other comp, rain forecast = this guy is doing family time.