One widow was sued for failing to pay dues after her husband's death."/>
One widow was sued for failing to pay dues after her husband's death."/>
One widow was sued for failing to pay dues after her husband's death." />
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Members say golf club won’t let them leave

1 min read
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SARASOTA (AP) – A membership with the Laurel Oak Country Club in Sarasota is a long-term commitment. In some cases, it has lasted despite people moving, being unable to play golf after health problems and even dying.

Club members complain the contract amounts to “golf slavery.” The country club has sued more than a 36 people since 2007 who’ve tried to leave. That includes 24 just last week.

One widow was sued for failing to pay dues after her husband’s death.

Membership costs up to $27,500 to initiate, and Laurel Oak tells members it will buy back “every penny” paid.

But the small print says the bills won’t stop until the membership is transferred to someone else, and that’s a difficult process.

The club says it’s simply going after money it is owed