Risky Business

Golf Insurance – Stepping onto the golf course is risky business

Golfers who rely on a cry of Fore! to warn of miss-timed shots still carry the risk of claims against them if they hit someone. But this is nothing new…..in 1998 The Court of Appeal ruled that ‘Golfers are liable for shots that cause injury, no matter how slight the risk’. Since this ruling, personal liability claims against golfers have significantly increased - further fuelled by a ‘compensation culture’ and people who are much more likely to prosecute if they find themselves on the wrong end of a badly sliced shot.

The importance of having the right cover is further underlined by the scale of the risk golfers are facing. This year it is estimated that there will be more than 12,500 golf injuries that require hospital treatment, and with around one in ten golfers having adequate golf insurance there are literally hundreds of thousands of golfers playing at risk

The dangers on the golf course are clear to all and every golfer will have a tale to tell of a near miss…or worse. Some have been even unluckier with recorded evidence of eyesight loss, dental reconstruction, broken noses, jaws, ribs and so on. These kinds of personal liability claims can run into thousands of pounds with the advice to amateur golfers a resounding ‘get protected’. Cover won’t stop an incident happening, but it will protect you from big compensation payouts.

Golf insurance specialists have responded to this demand from golfers with some very competitive, expertly packaged policies which also take into account other essential benefits like theft, loss and damage of golf equipment, personal accident and third-party property damage. Cover also extends to reimbursement of membership fees when unable to play, personal effects and hole-in-ones (lucky and not so lucky when it comes to facing a packed clubhouse bar!). But like any other kind of insurance it’s important to make comparisons, read the small print and make sure you get the right level of cover to suit your requirements.

Verdict: This issue won’t go away and golfers need to be mindful of their duty of care to others whilst on a golf course. Do your homework and buy a policy which will give you peace of mind every time you tee off.