I never thought I'd have to write something like this, but after what I've endured at Valleybrook…read moreCountry Club, silence would be a disservice to anyone who values respect, decency, and equality.
Let me be clear: I've spent my money here. Plenty of it. I've actually given freely, even gifting copies of my book to staff and guests. I pour positivity into people each time I'm there. I've supported this place with nothing but positivity. And in return, I was publicly humiliated, lied on, and spoken to like I was less than human--not once, but repeatedly.
A young staff member named Luke--who clearly harbors both arrogance and racist undertones--accused me of begging for golf balls. Let that sink in. I've never asked a single soul here for anything free. Not once. I've paid my way and then some. Yet, Luke felt comfortable making this false, demeaning accusation out loud, in front of other customers. Why? Because I charged my phone in a shed--something I was given permission to do multiple times. Because I hit a few balls off the grass--again, with prior approval. This wasn't about rules. This was about control and prejudice.
When I brought this to the attention of Tom, the GM, I was told I'd receive a follow-up call. That call never came. No apology. No accountability. Just silence.
I returned the next day--not because I'm okay with what happened, but because I'm stronger than the average person, mentally and emotionally. I wanted to give this place the benefit of the doubt. Instead, I was yelled at the moment I walked in by Gene, who told me I wouldn't speak to "his staff" that way. Let me remind you: Gene wasn't even present when Luke disrespected me. But rather than hear my side, he doubled down and told me to leave. Yelling at me actually. Ironically, he claimed the range wasn't open until 6:30, yet at 5:45, I watched multiple other golfers--none who looked like me--welcomed and accommodated without issue.
This was not a misunderstanding. It was targeted, blatant racism dressed up as policy enforcement.
The culture among certain staff here is toxic, arrogant, and discriminatory. This is a club that chooses silence over accountability, and enabling over integrity.
Unless Valleybrook addresses this publicly and directly, I will continue to leave reviews daily. I will not be silenced, and I will not be gaslit into thinking my experience doesn't matter. Because it does. And so do I.
UPDATE -- June 18, 2025
Today the General Manager, Tom, phoned me. He opened with a heartfelt apology for the racially humiliating treatment I described in my original review. For a moment, I thought Valleybrook might finally take real responsibility.
Then he tried to bargain for my silence.
Tom offered me a free range pass for the rest of the year--on the condition that I delete or "adjust" this review. Moments earlier I had explained how deeply the incident traumatized me and said I needed time to think. He couldn't even grant that courtesy; protecting Valleybrook's online rating was clearly his priority.
I don't have a price tag, and my dignity is not for sale.
Instead of erasing my experience, I'm documenting this new insult:
* The GM attempted to buy off a victim of discrimination with free golf.
* He showed more urgency about optics than about holding his staff accountable.
* Until all four employees involved are terminated, accountability has NOT been served.
Valleybrook, consider this an official 0-star update. Respect can't be purchased.
7/1 Update: It's now been nearly 10 full business days since I was told by management at Ramblewood (another Ron Jaworski property) that they had relayed my situation to Mr. Jaworski's assistant. I was hopeful that someone in leadership would follow up, especially given how serious and humiliating this experience was for me. But I've received no call, no email, no acknowledgment--nothing. After Tom at Valleybrook attempted to "resolve" the issue by offering me a free range pass, I made it clear that my dignity wasn't for sale. The continued silence only confirms what I feared--they simply don't care.