A man in his seventies has played for fifty years. He now cannot walk eighteen holes and relies entirely on a buggy.
He books a visitor round at a club an hour away. On arrival he learns buggies are suspended because of the ground conditions and there is no exemption process. He drives home, and he will not try that club again.
1. Understand what is really being asked
A buggy question from an older or less mobile player is a question about whether they can play at all. It deserves more care than an equipment enquiry.
2. Publish how many buggies you have
Availability is finite and players assume it is not. Saying how many exist lets somebody plan rather than hope.
3. Say whether they can be reserved
And how far ahead. A visitor travelling to play needs certainty, and a first come arrangement is effectively a no for anybody who cannot walk.
4. Publish the hire cost
Per round, per person or per buggy. It is part of the cost of playing and it belongs alongside the green fee.
5. Explain the restriction policy plainly
When buggies are suspended, why, and how that is decided each day. Ground protection is a reason players accept when it is explained.
6. Publish the medical exemption process
What evidence is needed, who to contact and how far ahead. This is the single most important paragraph for a large group of players.
7. Make the exemption process dignified
Nobody should have to explain a medical condition at a counter in front of other people. A written route arranged in advance is kinder and more practical.
8. Say whether exemptions apply during suspensions
This is the question that matters most, and the answer determines whether somebody with limited mobility can play in winter at all.
9. Cover single rider buggies
Some players need their own for medical reasons, and availability of single riders is a separate question from buggies generally.
10. Explain any course restrictions
Paths only, certain holes excluded, or keep off particular areas. Players want to comply and need to know the rules.
11. Cover the insurance and age requirements
Who may drive, any minimum age and what the hire agreement involves. Visitors expect to sign something and should know in advance.
12. Mention trolley alternatives
Electric trolleys, where available, suit players who can walk but not carry. This is a lower cost option that keeps people playing.
13. Describe the terrain honestly
A hilly course is a different proposition from a flat one for anybody with limited mobility, and it belongs in the visitor information.
14. Keep it joined up with the conditions information
Buggy availability and course condition are the same daily answer, which is the ground covered in course condition and winter play questions and the visitor detail in tee time and visitor green fee questions golf clubs hear.
15. Handle health related questions with care
These enquiries involve personal information and need the approach described in how to handle sensitive questions in your chatbot, and the same tact as the package conversations in package and course pricing questions at medical spas.
16. Answer it before somebody travels
An assistant that states buggy availability, whether one can be reserved, today's restriction position and how the exemption process works prevents a wasted journey. See features, start at try, and the sector view sits under fitness.