Golf club apologises as 9/11 promotion leads to death threats

An American golf course has been forced to apologise after it created a grossly insensitive 9/11 discount promotion.

The Tumbledown Trails in Wisconsin rapidly went from proudly unveiling its new promotion — with an ad it placed in a local paper — to threatening to close altogether on Sept 11 after a predictably vicious backlash.

Close to 3,000 people died on Sept 11, so it was not remotely surprising that the following promotion sparked outrage and upset many.

“Nine holes for just $9.11! 18 for $19.11, which barely makes sense, but it’s got 9/11 in it! We’ll even throw in a cart!” the promotion read.

First, the course apologised while pledging to “honour” those who had already booked under the advertised prices of $9.11 and $19.11 and discontinued any future “commemorative” sales.

Next, as a show of good faith, they then decided to donate the difference between the coupon rate and their normal rates to a 9/11 charity for any subsequent reservations.

Finally, the Tumbledown Trails threatened to close altogether today amid fears of staff members being abused and demonstrations taking place at the facilities.

“We would first like to apologise to everyone that we have upset or feels we have disrespected in anyway,” read the Facebook post.

“By no means did we mean to do this.

“Here is what we will do this Wednesday 9-11; we will still let all that have tee times booked play for the previous rates we posted.

“Then for all other golf that day we would like to donate the dollar difference between our normal rate and the previous price for the day to the 9/11 memorial.

“We hope that everyone will now see this as a positive as we really meant it to be. Again we do sincerely apologise for offending anyone. We are a family-owned business and proudly support all local charities.”

According to Mark Watts, part-owner of Tumbledown Trails, this is the third year the 9/11 discount has been made available, but the first year it has caused any outrage.

“This wasn’t a moneymaking thing,” said Mr Watts. “We just wanted to find an unique way to keep this horrible tragedy in the public eye.

“Now we’re getting death threats. The sheriff’s department is sitting in the clubhouse right now.”