Buggy Mania

Colin Montgomerie picked up some admiring glances last week when he was presented with his Ryder Cup golf buggy. For Monty, it’s an essential part of the Captain’s armoury from which he will orchestrate the European charge against the United States next year and another indication that we’re on countdown to Celtic Manor. Of course, Monty’s ride has been suitably ‘pimped’ by the specialists at Club Car with a customised paint job and in case of any doubt – ‘Captain’s Car’ emblazoned across the front.

Great work by the team at Club Car but the sight of golf buggies of all shapes and sizes on our courses is definitely on the increase, a sure sign that many of us are jumping on the errr…buggy-wagon.

So why the increase? Golf buggies for hire by clubs are nothing new but the last few years have seen a significant increase in the number of individuals buying their own buggies for use at their home course and further afield. Buggies being unloaded from trailers are a common sight in golf club car parks these days with many clubs going one step further and offering secure storage areas for ease of use.

Golfplan’s Commercial Director Simon Seward comments: ‘Individual ownership of golf buggies is really on the increase in the UK. There is a greater range of buggies on the market at different price points which makes the ownership of a buggy a real proposition for many golfers. We also have an ageing population who are healthier and want to continue to be active. The ownership of a buggy can give golfers a new lease of life.’

He added: ‘Many clubs are latching on to this trend and improving pathways around their courses, offering secure storage and issuing guidelines for use of buggies by their members and visitors.’

But what about the risk? Well to start with, a buggy owner needs to recognise the duty of care to others whilst using their buggy on a course and have public liability cover to protect them against injuring a fellow golfer. Most clubs will insist on public liability cover as a minimum before allowing buggy owners onto the course. In addition to this, there is always the threat of theft, loss, vandalism or accidental damage during use or whilst moving the buggy around from home to a course and so on. A comprehensive golf insurance policy will provide the essential protection a golfer needs for their buggy and the rest of their valuable golf equipment.

At Golfplan, all policies provide essential protection for buggies against personal liability, theft, loss, vandalism or accidental damage during use, whilst stored at a golf venue or in a garage, and during carriage to and from the golfing venue. Cover also includes public liability protection, against killing or injuring a fellow golfer. You can compare their policies here

Within all Golfplan policies, golf buggies are treated as golf equipment which means a buggy is protected 24-hours a day, giving the buggy owner total peace of mind. All a policyholder has to do is ensure that their buggy is individually secured to a fixed object when stored at a golfing venue or in a garage. Also during carriage to and from golfing venues, buggies must be secured to the trailer.

Time to Take Cover

A PGA professional and club golfer stress the importance and explain the benefits of dedicated golf insurance.

The Professional’s View

1.How important is golf insurance?
These days it’s important for any golfer to be aware of their responsibilities when stepping onto the first tee, so cover for personal liability and third party property damage is essential. Secondly, theft is a real issue in today’s society and, with most golfers carrying upwards of £1,000 of equipment, I would advise all golfers to make sure they are covered by a decent policy.

2.When is the best time to recommend golf insurance to your members?
Opportunities present themselves at various times. I make sure that whenever we sell a set of irons or a new piece of equipment, such as a driver or putter, we check with the individual concerned that they are covered because the value of equipment soon mounts up. We carry stocks of Golfplan leaflets, so if we’re selling some clothing it’s easy to pop a leaflet intothe bag. Golfplan supplies other merchandise such as posters, which are great for the driving range and noticeboards. In addition, we have a link on our website and include it in our email newsletters and bulletins.

3.What should golfers look for when taking out golf insurance?
Look for a specialist provider - some golfers think they are covered by their house insurance but in most cases this doesn’t provide any cover at all and certainly not the kind today’s golfer needs. Apart from public liability and third party property damage cover, which I mentioned earlier, the main area for me would be to ensure you get theft from car cover because this is one of the most common claims and one which I hear about the most. Other nice to haves are ‘hole in one’ cover and overseas cover. You don’t want to be hit by clubhouse bar bill that’s for sure! Also a lot of golfers are going abroad to places like The Algarve and Spain, often with a club or society, so it’s an important consideration. Above all, I would say check the policy wordings carefully as exclusions and excesses vary from provider to provider.

4. Why is Golfplan your preferred provider of golf insurance?
I’ve supported Golfplan since it first came to market in 1984. Over the years it has provided me with marketing support, merchandise and I’ve benefited from claims settlement business. It is also the only specialist golf insurer to have a partnership with the PGA, so it makes sense for me to recommend Golfplan.

5.What are the benefits of working with Golfplan?
Golfplan only settles claims through PGA pros and its in-house claims team is always very cooperativeand efficient. As a result, settling a claim is a simple process. This means clients are happy to visit their pro for advice on replacing equipment, which enables us to ensure they’re happy with their choice as wellas other benefits such as custom-fitting.

David Wilton, Professional, Muswell Hill Golf Club



The Player’s View

1.Why did you take out a golf insurance policy?
I had heard about golf insurance from my pro and other golfers at my club but, like many people, wrongly assumed my house insurance provided me with a suitable level of cover.

2.What key benefits did you look for?
The first thing was cover for theft of my equipment whenever I left home. My job takes me around the country and sometimes I like to take my clubs with me. As these are worth £2,000, I need to be covered in these situations. Also, we have all experienced a wayward shot and I think all golfers have a responsibility to others on the course. I also like the overseas cover as my golf society is getting a bit more adventurous and we now play abroad once or twice a year.

3.Why did you choose Golfplan?
I’d heard of Golfplan through my pro and seen the literature about it in his shop and elsewhere around the club. It was easy to take a policy out via the website and I got a great deal on renewal as I recommended a friend to Golfplan. I also like the fact that my membership fees are covered if I’m unable to play through injury. What’s more, I’ve not achieved a hole-in-one yet but at least I know my bar bill will be covered if I do!

4.What advice would you give to fellow golfers without golf insurance?
Look for a specialist provider who understands golfers and can offer you the right level of cover to suit your requirements; don’t rely solely on the information on a leaflet or a website; and take a look at the policy terms and conditions as there may be some restrictions that are not immediately obvious.

Andy Cox, club golfer, Long Ashton Golf Club, Bristol


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