My review is based upon a series of responses over several years from Club Corp (CC) and their attorneys, including from their current representative Kimberly King.
In 1995, my father paid an initiation fee to one of their clubs now owned by CC . All parties agree that this entire fee is refundable. The amount is substantial. Over ten years ago, my father submitted a written request for a refund of the money owed to him by CC. His requests were all denied due to ‘written rules’ as interpreted by the CC attorneys. I am no attorney and have no interest in spending thousands of dollars to find out if the CC attorneys are misrepresenting the ‘written rule’. In 2015, I explained to the CC attorney, Ms. King, that my father’s health was failing and that refunding his money would be a fantastic gesture of goodwill. Ms. King denied the request and added, “…should your dad pass before his membership reaches the top of the list, it will be paid to his estate or last known heirs, as applicable”.
Six weeks ago, my father suffered a stroke and now resides in rehab center, in a wheelchair, paralyzed on his right side. Two weeks ago, I once again asked for his money and was once again denied by Ms. King. My father is 87 years old, a U.S army veteran of 30 years, and served in Korea and Vietnam. He is not a wealthy person. It is very likely that the refund could come within the next 12 months, but apparently will not be available to help him now. CC and their continued denial is an extraordinary lapse of judgement and lack of moral character. I guess I should take comfort by their statement that my father’s estate will someday receive this refund, but perhaps well after he really needed it!
Since 1985, my wife and I have owned businesses in the area and we firmly believe that we have an ethical and moral responsibility to do the right thing. We would never dream of withholding this money when it is needed the most! Club Corp has opted for the 'written rule' instead of helping this man, a member of their community. For that, the lowest possible rating is applicable.