Tip: the best course-status messages lead with the answer ("we're on a frost delay"), give one time or date, and tell the golfer what happens to their tee time. Keep each under 20 seconds when spoken.
Copy-ready scripts
Frost delay
Good morning, thanks for calling [Course]. We're on a frost delay this morning. We expect to start sending groups out around [time]. Your tee time will be pushed back by the length of the delay. We'll update this message if that changes.
Cart path only
Just so you know, carts are on the paths only today because of wet conditions. Please keep carts on the paths for your whole round. Push carts are welcome.
Closed for rain
Thanks for calling [Course]. The course is closed today because of rain. If you had a tee time, it's been cancelled with no charge. Online booking is open for tomorrow.
Delayed opening
We're opening late today while the grounds crew finishes up. We expect first tee times around [time]. The pro shop opens at [time].
Aeration
Heads up: we're aerating the greens [dates]. Greens will be bumpy for about a week, and rates are reduced to [rate] during that time.
Holiday hours
For [holiday], we're open from [time] to [time], with the last tee time at [time]. The restaurant is [open / closed].
After-hours voicemail (if you don't use an AI receptionist)
You've reached [Course]. The pro shop is open from [time] to [time]. You can book tee times any time at [website]. For anything else, leave your name and number and we'll call you back first thing.
Outing inquiry
Thanks for your interest in an outing at [Course]. Our events coordinator will call you back within one business day. Can I get your name, the best number, your group size and the date you're thinking about?
Using these with an AI receptionist
With Tee Line, you don't record a new greeting each morning. You pick the condition in the dashboard (frost delay until 9:30, cart path only, closed), and every caller who asks hears it until it resets at midnight. Scheduled notices (aeration, holiday hours) turn on and off by date.
Frequently asked questions
What should a golf course frost delay message say?
Lead with the delay, give the expected start time, and tell golfers what happens to their tee time (usually pushed back by the length of the delay). Update it if the time changes.
How do golf courses announce cart path only?
A one-line message on the phone and website: carts on the paths only today because of wet conditions, push carts welcome. Remove it when the course dries out.
Should the voicemail greeting include the booking website?
Yes. Many callers just want to book; giving the website lets them do it right away instead of waiting for a callback.