Friday, I had the good fortune to play The Honors Course in Ooltewah.  Without any discussion of how badly I was beaten by the earth manipulated into 18 grueling exercises in sadism, I was simply amazed by the truly royal treatment that I received there.  From the moment we drove through the unassuming gates at the nearly concealed entrance of the golf club, it was as if we were embarking upon a journey into a place that time had not bothered to pester.

At the bag drop, we were greeted and welcomed to the course. As our bags were unloaded from the car, we were truly welcomed into an experience that is reserved for heads of state.

“Gentlemen, we are under a frost delay.  Please go into the locker room, relax a bit, and we will have the practice range open for you soon.  If there is anything that we can do for you, just ask.”  The pro welcomed a few boys from Knoxville squarely and warmly just as if we had flown in from the golf materland. Greeted at the door of the locker room, we were lead through the clubhouse and invited to savor the experience.  Like a fine meal we were encouraged to take it all in with subtlety and distinction without any rushing.

After about an hour we were directed to the range where our clubs were waiting, freshly cleaned. After a few masterful shots, we were introduced to our caddies, which truly transformed my experience from a walk in the park to a guided journey to Everest. “Boys, many a man has come to this course expecting victory and suffering defeat. We will guide you through the doglegs, undulations, shelves, and traps, rough and water, but you have to remember at the end of the day that this course will make you humble in your game–it always does.”

At every turn, the level of professionalism and courtesy simply astounded me.  From my caddy to the snack shop attendant,  the aim of every staff person was to make the day a remarkable experience.

After the day was done. I thanked my caddy for the guidance that he had given me, and he said, “It was truly my pleasure to caddy for you today sir.”  Often, you can hear a variety of professionals in the employ of customer service  say “my pleasure,” but truly meaning and creating a pleasurable experience are quite another.