Why "cheapest" has never been a byword for quality

Don't be led by the lowest priced golf insurance
If someone on the street was trying to sell you their product priced around £30, was already offering you a 25-30% discount PLUS they were willing to give you other products worth up to £550 how would you feel? Suspicious? We would be too. Unfortunately these are the kinds of marketing messages you’ll be bombarded with when comparing golf insurance providers.  OUR FIRST BIT OF ADVICE: Always read the policy small print; check there’s adequate cover; don’t be afraid to ring the provider and ask about the policy cover. "Cheapest" has never been used as a byword for quality or value for money.

When and where you and your equipment are covered is essential.
We know of three providers that don’t (or won’t) cover your equipment being stolen from your locked vehicle overnight or between the hours of 10pm and 8am. Does that mean car crime doesn't happen during the hours of darkness?! Coincidence that these are the cheapest golf insurance policies available?

Why buy an insurance policy that doesn’t give you the cover you need?
We know it sounds ridiculous but so many people just look at the lowest priced premium and don’t read the detail of the actual insurance cover provided. At Golfplan we do things differently, our focus has always been on providing a superior level of care and customer service along with comprehensive policies, so you know exactly what you’re paying for.

Here's some of the cover you should look out for when comparing golf insurance providers:

BRAND NEW replacement “like-for-like”  clubs regardless of age at time of loss
BUGGY COVER  for theft, loss or damage and Public Liability
PUBLIC LIABILITY  to £5 million
ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE  to £2 million
24-HOUR EQUIPMENT COVER includes theft from an unattended car boot, or someone else’s car boot
IN-HOUSE equipment claim settlements via a network of over 2000 PGA golf professional outlets within 5 working days of notification
NO PREMIUM INCREASE or cover restriction after claim settlement
NO POLICY EXCESS for total loss equipment claims
PREMIUM DISCOUNTS for juniors, partners, families and seniors
IMMEDIATE COVER 24/7

You can get a free golf insurance quote online in minutes

2012 Golf "Rich List"

Rory McIlroy, the 23-year-old Northern Ireland golfer who won the 2011 US Open, has already amassed a fortune worth £11m, according to the third annual Sunday Times Sport Rich List published in a special supplement free with The Sunday Times on 6 May.

McIlroy is one of 12 golfers to feature in The Sunday Times Sport Rich List 2012, which profiles the 100 wealthiest sportsmen in Britain and Ireland. Last year, McIlroy only featured in the list of wealthy young sportsmen, aged 30 and under, with a £7m fortune. The 2012 Golf Rich List is headed by Sir Nick Faldo, worth £34m, who is estimated to have added £2m to his fortune in the last year, after tax, from television commentary, golf course design and sponsorship deals.

Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke have each seen their golf fortunes fall by £6m after they lost money by jointly buying a 10-seater Challenger 601 jet at the top of the market and selling at the bottom.

The third annual Sunday Times Sport Rich List is published in a special supplement, which profiles the 100 wealthiest sportsmen in Britain and Ireland and the 40 richest young sportsmen, aged 30 and under. The list is based on identifiable wealth (earnings, property, other assets such as art and racehorses, or significant shares in publicly quoted companies), and excludes bank accounts (to which the paper has no access).

 

Of course, the wealth of the golfing elite far outweighs anything most of us ordinary golfers will earn (but we all hope for a Lottery win!). One thing golfers do have in common is their golf equipment. Most of us have accumulated a wealth of equipment over the years - whether we've invested in it via hard work, savings, an impulse purchase or as a result of a windfall - we do INVEST in it. It's something we should cherish, after all, we play the game for enjoyment and our golfing equipment helps elevate that enjoyment. That's part of the reason we should all add the best golf insurance we can afford to our shopping lists. Specialist golf insurance is something that many golfers don't consider - certainly not at the time of purchasing golf equipment. BUT WE ALL SHOULD.

Don't assume you're covered by other insurance policies - even if they are specifically for golf.
For example, don’t assume your home insurance covers your golfing equipment. Unless you’ve paid extra for specific cover, most home insurance policies offer restricted cover for your golf equipment and you may not be covered for sporting related injury. If you’re paying extra for specific golf insurance via your home insurance provider you may be paying significantly more in premiums than the cost of the most comprehensive golf insurance policy.

When and where you and your equipment are covered is essential.
We know of three providers that don’t (or won’t) cover your equipment being stolen from your locked vehicle overnight or between the hours of 10pm and 8am. Does that mean car crime doesn't happen during the hours of darkness?!

Don't be led by the lowest priced golf insurance
If someone on the street was trying to sell you their product priced around £30, was already offering you a 25-30% discount PLUS they were willing to give you other products worth up to £550 how would you feel? Suspicious? We would be too. Unfortunately these are the kinds of marketing messages you’ll be bombarded with when comparing golf insurance providers.  OUR FIRST BIT OF ADVICE: Always read the policy small print; check there’s adequate cover; don’t be afraid to ring the provider and ask about the policy cover. "Cheapest" has never been used as a byword for quality or value for money.

Why buy an insurance policy that doesn’t give you the cover you need? We know it sounds ridiculous but so many people just look at the lowest priced premium and don’t read the detail of the actual insurance cover provided. At Golfplan we do things differently, our focus has always been on providing a superior level of care and customer service along with comprehensive policies so you know exactly what you’re paying for.

Here's some of the cover you should look out for when comparing golf insurance providers:

BRAND NEW replacement “like-for-like”  clubs regardless of age at time of loss
BUGGY COVER  for theft, loss or damage and Public Liability
PUBLIC LIABILITY  to £5 million
ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE  to £2 million
24-HOUR EQUIPMENT COVER includes theft from an unattended car boot, or someone else’s car boot
IN-HOUSE equipment claim settlements via a network of over 2000 PGA golf professional outlets within 5 working days of notification
NO PREMIUM INCREASE or cover restriction after claim settlement
NO POLICY EXCESS for total loss equipment claims
PREMIUM DISCOUNTS for juniors, partners, families and seniors
IMMEDIATE COVER 24/7

You can get a free golf insurance quote online in minutes

The Sunday Times Sport Rich List 2012 is compiled by Philip Beresford and Alastair McCall and is edited by Ian Coxon.

Why are golfers dropping out of our sport and how do we find a way to entice them back?

There was a net loss of 46,000 registered golfers in 2011, with the UK & Ireland -42,700 (-3.1%), Sweden -21,000 (-4.1%) and Spain -9,700 (-2.9%) recording the most significant reductions in player numbers.

That's according to The Golf Participation in Europe 2011 survey – produced by KPMG’s Golf Advisory Practice and free to download from www.golfbusinesscommunity.com

The downturn in registered golf participation follows a 25-year period of impressive growth – the number of golfers has more than tripled since the 1980s, while the number of golf courses has doubled in the same period.

Andrea Sartori, head of KPMG’s Golf Advisory Practice in EMA, said: “While the growth of golf started to slow down after 2005, last year was the first time there was an actual decrease in registered golfers. The decline can be attributed to two factors: the reduction in the number of golfers in some of Europe’s largest golf markets, especially theUK and Ireland, and the lack of dynamic growth in Europe’s emerging markets, specifically Eastern Europe and theSouth-East Mediterranean.”

While the number of officially recognized participants in the UK and Ireland fell to 1,326,700, still more than double the size of Europe’s second largest golf market, Germany (610,100), Sartori pointed out that golfers in the UK and Ireland don’t have to be registered, unlike most European countries, so the decline could be attributed in part to players giving up club memberships, while continuing to play on a daily fee basis.

The survey highlighted that golf remains a male-dominated sport in Europe, with 65% of all players being male and 25% female (10% are juniors). German-speaking countries (Germany,Austria and Switzerland) and the Netherlands, remain flagship markets for female participation, with more than 30% of golfers being women. This in line with our own figures for the UK.

Some emerging markets are leading the way with junior programs. Although small in real terms, the high proportion of children among golfers in Turkey (52%) and Serbia (34%) may help to create future growth in these countries.

“While much of the golf market stagnation in Europe may be attributed to the overall economic climate, continued support and investment in new programs will be needed to sustain demand and generate further growth in the game, especially in mature and developed golf markets,” added Andrea Sartori.

“Today, there is a need for joint efforts – arguably more so now than at any time in the past two decades. Therefore, we invite all industry stakeholders to share thoughts, best practices and creative ideas on www.golfbusinesscommunity.com”

So what can we do to entice people back into our game?

We don't have the answers, but some suggestions that we've seen already are:

1. Cheaper green fees
2. Affordable lessons and programming
3. Getting families involved in the club and activities
4. Developing more access to women golfers
5. Getting to the youth before other sports
6. Developing facilities for the younger generation
7. Have winter activities to keep them involved

What are your thoughts on the subject? Let us know

BBC Top Gear: Rally Cross cheaper than Golf?

On last night's edition of BBC Top Gear (Sunday 11th March 2012) , messrs Clarkson, Hammond and May proposed that it costs more to enjoy playing golf as a hobby than it does to take up motor sport. An interesting argument we thought, even though the delivery of the challenge set forward by Jeremy Clarkson lacked a little research to say the least (but let's face it, his brand of journalism isn't based on facts most of the time)! Clarkson, May and Hammond all bought relatively cheap cars to take part, against other enthusiasts, in a rally cross motor race - resulting in funny, enjoyable and entertaining television for a Sunday night.

But does golf cost more than Rally Cross? We think not.
OK, Top Gear had their fun, but it was just one day and at one race event. They didn't factor in for most of the equipment required, insurance costs, transporting the race vehicle to and from events (on a trailer presumably?), wear and tear or replacement parts. Here's what the Motor Sports Association (MSA) recommend BEFORE going onto the track:


The MSA specify that drivers must wear full safety equipment, including a helmet and fireproof racing suit.

• Helmets  – They cost up to £300
• Fireproof racesuits – again up to £300

This additional equipment is optional, but advisable:

• Racing gloves – Cost: up to £60
• Racing boots – Cost: up to £100
• Fireproof top/long johns – £75
• Fireproof balaclava – approx. £15.
• Fireproof socks – approx. £12

Event fees range from spending as little as £250, rising to £100,000 a year.
A car with the safety features will cost you around £1500.

So the answer is, No, it isn't cheaper to take up Rally Cross compared to enjoying golf as a pastime. Like all pastimes, you choose to do that which provides the most reward and enjoyment for you. Who cares what you choose to spend?! If you love it, go for it!

We just thought that we had to stand up for the golfing community that we've served for almost 30 years and put the record straight.

Here's an interesting point for you: The cost of  a set of golf clubs hasn't really changed for the past 10 years (maybe more), and they don't run on petrol or diesel! How much has the cost of motoring increased over the same period?

Happy Golfing

The problem with cheap golf insurance

No one likes paying more for golf insurance than they need to - but opting for the cheapest cover is rarely the best option. It can result in you paying for a policy that does not cover all the elements you might expect.

Things cost what they do for a reason: if you buy a really cheap electrical appliance, you can’t expect it to last for years. Likewise with insurance, cheap policies may exclude certain benefits that you'd welcome if you had a problem, such as a genuine new for old equipment cover.

Quality, not cost
Cheap golf insurance may appear worthwhile, but in the event of a claim being made what you want is adequate and relatively pain-free redress. Paying a little extra to obtain the right level of cover will provide peace of mind and is a sensible approach to purchasing any insurance policy. Just remember, some insurance policies are cheap for a reason, and it’s best to be mindful of quality as well as cost when it comes to buying cover.

Important message for those comparing golf insurance cover

Whether taking out your first golf insurance policy or renewing, we should all be aware of the finer details of insurance cover and not be distracted by the lure of "FREE" rounds of golf or Low-Price Guarantees. Many automatically assume that they're covered against theft of their equipment - a sensible assumption to make wouldn't you think? After all, you're paying for specialised golf insurance! Then you'd be horrified to find out that if your prized set of clubs were stolen from the locked boot of your car between the hours of 10pm and 8am you wouldn't be able to claim on your budget golf insurance. We've also heard stories from disgruntled customers of cut-price insurers that when they can claim for replacement equipment it is provided by the insurers budget equipment supplier and is not a true "new for old" nor a "like for like" service as the equipment supplied is not of equal quality.

GolfPlan not only provides transparent, comprehensive golf insurance cover, valid in any country worldwide, but also places its golf equipment claims through PGA golf professionals based at over 2000 UK golf venues, providing the best possible claim settlement procedure for its clients.  Now in its 28th year of trading, GolfPlan has always settled claims in this manner and was awarded PGA Recommendation in recognition of this in 1996, a coveted award still enjoyed today.

Golfers should be aware that this is not the norm and in fact, the majority of other golf insurers prefer to replace equipment claims through large discount golf outlets thereby removing the opportunity for golfers to try out equipment or to get them custom fitted during the claim process. 

Every golfer should ensure that a minimum of £5 million third party public liability cover (including property damage) is in place prior to playing or practising golf and before using their own buggy on a golf course. They should also ensure their equipment will be replaced with brand new in the event of a claim. Not to mention club membership fee reimbursement in the event of accident or illness preventing play. 

Unfortunately, too many people decide on a golf insurance policy based on price alone, forgetting that if something seems too good to be true, it usually is.  This is certainly true of cheap golf insurance policies, which have to provide less than adequate cover to justify the premium.  Inevitably, this restricted cover could prove to be very expensive in the event of a claim!

GolfPlan makes no excuses for providing fully transparent, comprehensive cover for just that little extra premium.  For instance, a GolfPlan client whose equipment is stolen from anybody’s car boot at any time of day or night will receive brand new replacement equipment via a PGA golf professional shop within five days.  There are no restrictions as to where the car is parked,  how old the equipment is, or whether the equipment was brand new or second hand when first purchased!  By the very nature of the premium, cheap golf insurance providers are unable to provide this level of cover, not to mention the expert customer service experienced by GolfPlan customers.  For example, at least one cheap policy excludes cover during the night and theft from a car if parked outside the home or place of work.

Another, simple, way to choose which golf insurance policy is best to recommend, is to visit the golf insurance comparison website www.comparegolfinsurance.com  which is quick and easy to use. The website not only helps golfers make the right decision, without worrying about policy 'small print', but also explains:

• The benefits of golf insurance
• Explains individual benefits and advises which questions to ask a golf insurance provider before deciding on a policy
• Demonstrates how some golf insurance providers are able to offer cheap policies by restricting cover
• Arms golfers with the knowledge to ensure they get the cover they need from the right provider

One last piece of useful information to help you in your decision.  Golfers require a specialist golf insurance policy to ensure full protection on and off the golf course. No household insurance policy can possibly deliver the same level protection; by their nature, they are not designed to cover the specific risks of playing golf. 

Golf Insurance: The Forgotten Benefit

Who would have thought playing golf could be so serious?

All we want to do is enjoy a challenging 18-holes away from the pressures of everyday life; intersperse this with some lively chat amongst friends and the day will be perfect.  The problem is many of us overlook the fact that the moment we remove a club from our bag, we legally become liable for the consequences of our actions whilst using it and in the event of an accident we are 100% responsible. 

We have all been there; a tee-shot down the fairway goes deep left into the rough, annoyed and concentrating on what we did wrong, we take a second practice backswing.  Now imagine the consequences of a team member stepping forward to the tee, his face in your club’s swing plane.  You may think this a little severe but a few years ago, a golfer did exactly that, hitting his playing partner full in the mouth.  What followed was a legal challenge for damages to cover dental and facial restructure work to the sum of £15,000.  Devastated by guilt at what he had done the golfer approached his insurer, Golfplan Insurance, and was enormously relieved when Golfplan accepted the claim. 

Other dangers include accidental damage to someone else’s property, whether a house on the fringe of a course or a car in the club car park.

Today, we live in a society where no-win no-fee solicitors positively encourage us to make insurance claims, where once we would have never even considered it.  Golf accidents are no exception.  Over 12,000 hospitalised golf accidents happen every year, so it is no longer a case of should we be insured?  It is definitely a case of get insured and make sure you choose the best policy possible.

The adage, “if it seems too cheap to be true, it usually is,” is very relevant to the choice of golf insurance policies available in the UK.  The cost of fully comprehensive golf insurance is worth every penny.  Cheap policies are only cheap because their cover is highly limited.  For example, some policies only accept claims for equipment stolen from cars between 8.00am and 10.00pm and do not cover theft from cars parked outside the home or place of work regardless of the time.  Furthermore, if equipment is over 2 or 3 years old they settle the claim on a depreciated intrinsic (ie second hand) value only; this also applies to equipment that is less than 2 or 3 years old and was not purchased brand new.  Some even reject personal liability claims if you hit and injure a family member!

Golf insurance is essential, but choosing the right policy is more important.  Choose wisely.  The best advice is to take a little time to research golf insurance.  To help you decide on the best direction visit www.comparegolfinsurance.com or get a free quote for a fully comprehensive golf policy from Golfplan, the first UK golf insurance provider and market leader in its field.

How to safely plan a corporate golf day

It may seem ridiculously simple. It is, after all, just a game between like-minded individuals. But the fact is you will be inviting your clients, colleagues and suppliers. If one of these invited guests is injured at your event, they may pursue your business, or another of your guests for compensation – or both. If you do not have the policies and paperwork in place to show that you have done all that is reasonably practicable in protecting your guests at your event, the claim for compensation could be very high. A recent court case paid out a total of almost £400,000 as a result of an injury sustained on the golf course. According to GolfPlan Insurance, 12,000 injuries a year are recorded. 3,530 of which are head injuries.

Here are 18 tips to keep your event on par.

1.If you use an agency to organise your golf day, have them assessed for their health & safety and insurance policies.

2.Ensure that whoever organises your corporate golf day includes `risk management’ as a topic in their planning documentation.

3.Review the golf club’s own safety policies. These should include course safety, adverse weather announcements, any public right of way issues, warning bells, any road crossing issues, green staff priorities, chemical on course notices, buggy use and safety policy.

4.Review the golf club’s insurance policies. Who is going to be responsible if a car belonging to one of your guests gets damaged by an unknown player’s golf ball?

5.Assess the insurance responsibility for personal effects left in the locker/changing rooms.

6.Assess if personal liability and personal accident insurance is included within the golf day package. If yes, review the level of cover and exemptions to ensure it is appropriate for your guests. If it’s not, speak to your insurers to ensure you and your guests are appropriately insured.

7.Communicate safety policies to all participants, ideally in advance.

8.Communicate insurance policies (and exemptions) to all participants, in advance of the event.

9.Ensure you check and record handicap certificates. This may be a pre-requisite for your insurance policy.

10.Undertake a risk assessment on the day of your event to determine whether any other risks exist and keep a record of your findings.

11.If you are providing buggies, ensure the driver meets the licence requirements. Many buggy policies ask for a full UK driving licence.

12.If you are serving alcohol, ask buggy users to either abstain or drink no more than the buggy safety / insurance policy allows. Normally, it is no alcohol allowed.

13.Be aware of who is the on-site first aider, and keep their contact details at hand. Make sure you keep records if your day is covered by two different people’s shifts.

14.Take a few minutes to announce key safety messages to all guests prior to the matches commencing.

15.Reiterate the absolute need to shout a warning if a ball is going off line. `Fore’ is the norm. And for those hearing the shout, to crouch or hide and not to look to see where the shout is coming from. http://golfplansblog.blogspot.com/2011/11/golfer-wins-almost-400000-in-damages.html

16.Clarify in simple terms the rules of golf, to encourage quick and safe play.

17.Keep the list of guests and their personal data safe and secure at all times.

18.Include `risk management’ as a topic in your event evaluation document.

Hopefully, every golf day you organise will be a fantastic success and your guests will be talking about the long shot into the 3rd green that set them up for a birdie. If they end up having to talk about someone being evacuated by air ambulance, you want them to do so with the knowledge that you put in place every precaution and policy to protect them, your colleagues and your business.

Golf Insurance: It’s Worth Spending a Little More to Safeguard your Equipment.

Playing golf is often thought to be one of the safest sports in the world. After all, what harm can come to you in the middle of a beautifully landscaped golf course? Some might even think that by playing golf they are removing the risk of becoming yet another victim of crime.

However, not many golfers have cottoned on to the fact that in these austere times, expensive golf equipment is an easy steal, whether from your car boot whilst parked at home or place of work or from the club car park.

One thing is for sure, we've seen claims for stolen golf equipment escalate over the past 24 months.

Ron Channon, Managing Director explained: “The temptation to steal expensive golf equipment is just too enticing for some individuals who are facing difficult financial times. The clubhouse, golf professional shop and a golfer's car are all targets. The most common golf equipment claims range from theft from vehicle break-ins, forced lockers in the clubhouse and buggy theft.”

Golfers can avoid the bitter consequence of theft by arranging specialist golf insurance cover. However, make sure you spend wisely; buying the cheapest policy could be your worst purchase, as many such policies need to limit their range of cover to make cheap premiums work. For example: No theft of equipment cover for: equipment left in car boots overnight, left unattended, or in boots of cars parked outside the home or work place at any time of day or night.

Bear in mind that a full set of clubs, bag, and trolley can be worth up to £2,500, but it can be much higher if you add a buggy to the policy. The best policies require you to list your equipment, and as long as you are honest about the equipment’s true value, it is the safest way to ensure you do not under-insure your precious equipment.

Most policies provide New for Old equipment cover, but make sure this is on a New for Old for ever basis. This means that no matter how old your equipment at the time it is stolen you will receive brand new equipment in settlement of a claim. Other benefits should include Personal Liability cover to at least £5 million and reimbursement of club membership fees if any illness or accident stops play. A good policy will also provide extensive personal accident, accidental damage to property and hole-in-one cover to pay for the bar bill.

For clarification of what a reputable golf insurance policy has to offer visit www.comparegolfinsurance.com

Golfer Wins Almost £400,000 in Damages After Being Hit by a Golf Ball

Novice golfer Mr Phee, who lost an eye after he was hit by an errant ball and now has a prosthetic eye, sued both Mr Gordon, the player who struck the golf ball, and the Niddry Castle golf club at Winchburgh, West Lothian, for not displaying warning signs on the course. Mr Phee has won almost £400,000 in damages.

On 10 August 2007 Mr Phee, and his three companions were walking from the 6th green to the 7th tee. They were following a path along the edge of the 18th fairway approximately 15 metres from the 7^th tee. There were no warning signs alerting users of the path to any potential danger or hazard caused by golfers driving from the 18th tee.

At the 18^th, Mr Gordon, who noticed the group of golfers on the path, hit his tee shot which veered sharply to the left, travelling in the direction of the group of golfers on the path.

Mr Gordon gave evidence that he immediately shouted "fore". He also stated that his playing companion also shouted "fore" and may also have added a shout of "get down".

Mr Phee heard only one shout of "fore". He did not know where the shout of "fore" had come from. His immediate reaction was to duck or crouch down and place his hand over his head whilst at the same time trying to look upwards. Whilst in this position he was hit in the eye by the golf ball which had been struck by Mr Gordon

The "Rules of Golf" as circulated by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews were referred to in this case. The following quote was highlighted: "Players should ensure that no one is standing close by or in a position to be hit by the club, the ball or any stones, pebbles, twigs or the like when they make a stroke or practice swing. Players should not play until the players in front are out of range".

The judge, Lord Brailsford, ruled in favour of Mr Phee as it was not considered relevant whether there were one or three warning shouts, or that Mr Phee an inexperienced golfer ducked, due to the very short time lapse between the shout of “fore” and the golf ball striking Mr Phee.

Damages were agreed at £397,000, where Lord Brailsford ruled Mr Gordon was 70% responsible for the accident which occurred, due to the fact that as an experienced golfer he failed to asses the risk and exercise reasonable care in the execution of his drive. The remaining 30% of liability rests with the Golf Club for their failure to place warning signs at appropriate places on this golf course.

After the hearing, Mr Phee said: "I am delighted at the judgment and relieved that the court case is over. “

"No-one expects to lose an eye when they go to play golf and adjusting to partially losing my sight has been a harrowing experience. I now just want to move on with my life.”

Following the Judges ruling, Mr Gordon will be personally responsible to pay the 70% of the damages awarded if he has no form of golf insurance, almost £270,000!  Niddry Golf Club is responsible for paying the remaining balance of £127,000.

Could This be This Years Must-Have Golfing Present?

Golf's must-have product, Foresight Sports' GC2 ball-flight monitor, was part of the success of a golf challenge on Channel 5's The Gadget Show on the 28th November, being hailed as "one of the most accurate golf simulators in the world".

Pointing out how the simulator could display immediate progress, presenter Woodward explained: "The real ball is instantly transformed into the virtual ball with pinpoint accuracy."

Many top coaches and teaching professionals have hailed the GC2's quality and flexibility, including PGA master professional Luther Blacklock, the head pro at Woburn GC, inventor of the world-famous Explanar training aid, and a Golf International teaching panellist.

He said: "As soon as I saw the unit's immediacy and ease of use I was sold. I bought one on the spot and it's already paid for itself in terms of benefits for my pupils. It's more accurate than other products on the market; it's truly portable - so tuition is not affected by adverse weather conditions; it takes a fraction of the time other products take to set up and it's around a fifth of the cost of some of its rivals.

"It's made a massive difference to the pupil analysis I can offer as a golf coach as the information is more accurate and easily demonstrable."

The unit weighs just 1.7kg and takes just 40 seconds to set up, which make this portable device an essential for a club pro, who can use the unit for coaching and club-fitting. The GC2 directly measures ball flight and spin at club impact and launch, and calculates carry and total distance in a second. The fact that the GC2 is around 80 per cent cheaper than existing competitors with comparable data is another big benefit.

The system has also been adopted by many of the world's leading club manufacturers including PING, Cobra, TaylorMade, Srixon and Titleist. Connected to a PC, real-time ball flight and statistics are available immediately and the data can be recorded to a spreadsheet and emailed to a customer in an instant. There is even the ability to instantly deliver data, via Bluetooth, to an Android-based mobile or hand-held device.

The flexibility and test proven accuracy of the GC2 also allows it to be upgraded to provide a simulator experience, whether with a simple net and PC or as a full-size, bespoke studio experience. 

Thomson Perrett Have an Olympic Win

The Rio 2016 Olympic Games organisers have chosen Thomas Perrett Golf Course Architects to become the designer of the Rio de Janeiro golf course, which will host the Olympic golf event.

In October 2011, the Rio 2016 Olympic Committee launched a worldwide competition to find the architectural design of the golf course to host the 2016 Olympic Golf Event.

Requirements for the winner - applicants has to show prior course design experience, and have an office established in Rio. The golf course should serve youth sports and education and events after the games.

The applicants were whittled down to eight, with the winner Thomson Perrett being paid $300,000 for the design.

Thomson Perrett's team for the Olympic course is led by Managing Director Ross Perrett and his partner Peter Thomson a five time British Open winner, whose names are linked with created world class golf courses.

The course will be built in the Barra da Tijuca neighbourhood, which will host most of the Olympic venues.

At the R&A Open Championship Press Conference Peter Dawson, Chief Executive of the R&A and also President of the International Golf Federation (IGF), was able to update the media about the state of the arrangements for golf to return to The Olympic Games at Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

"The format of the event remains as per the Olympic bid for golf, which was 60 men in one competition, 60 women in another, 72 hole stroke play event. And whilst we do have perhaps an opportunity to revisit that, there really isn't an opportunity to do so until after the London games."

When the world's top players were asked about the format for Olympic Golf they thought the format used for major championships should be the same format used in the Olympic Games, there is still a possibility of a team competition being added to the event.

Golfer sues for £750,000 after losing eye

44 year old Anthony Phee, from Manchester, is seeking £750,000 in damages, against Niddry Castle golf club and golfer James Gordon who took a tee shot that caused Mr Phee to lose his eye. The level of damages in the case has been agreed but liability still remains an issue.

Mr Gordon, who has a handicap of 18, told the court that he hit his shot from the eighteenth tee but it swerved towards a group of four people on the path which included Mr Phee.

Mr Gordon said after hitting the shot he immediately shouted the traditional golfers warning "fore" as the ball headed towards the group. He said: 'I shouted fore at the top of my voice.' His playing partner also called out. He added 'On the shout of fore three people went down.' But the fourth member of the group did not shield himself and instead was 'looking towards the sky.'

Mr Phee, said that he had only played a few games of golf in the past but he knew that hearing the shout of "fore" there was a stray ball and that he should take evasive action. He added that he ducked and put  his hand up to protect his face, after hearing the warning but was still struck by the offending ball and felt his eye explode.

Both Mr Gordon and the golf club, claim that is Mr Phee had ducked as he stated then its highly unlikely that he would have been hit.

Mr Phee states: "It is common knowledge among golfers that it is the responsibility of the striker of the ball to satisfy himself that his shot cannot harm anyone.'

The court case continues.

Golfplan Insurance Goes Wild

Golfplan took part in the charity auction of Bristol Zoo's Wow! Gorillas sculptures and has successfully acquired 'Noah'.

Noah was one of 61 life-sized gorillas statues auctioned at the Victoria Rooms in Clifton after being part of a public art trail in Bristol throughout the summer.

Each Wow! Gorilla sculpture was painted by a local artist as part of Bristol Zoo's 175th birthday celebrations.

The sculptures were auctioned off to help raise funds for two charities - Bristol Zoo's conservation projects for critically endangered gorillas, as well as Wallace and Gromit's Grand Appeal for the cardiology unit at Bristol Children's Hospital.

More than 500 people attended the charity auction to place their bids and altogether helped raise over £427,000.

The 101 small gorillas which have also appeared  around Bristol this summer will be returned to the schools and nurseries which sponsored and decorated them.

Alan Tate Breaks Leg at Golf Course

Many accidents that happen on the golf course can leave you unable to play for any amount of time, for Swansea defender Alan Tate who has broken his leg in what his club have described as a "bizarre golfing accident" it is going to affect his career for at least the next six months.

The club vice-captain is in his 10th season with the Swans and has played more than 300 games for the club.

Tate was a passenger in a golf buggy at Gower Golf Club, South Wales on Sunday 28th August when the buggy lost control.

The 28-year-old former Manchester United trainee who is described as a ''very good golfer'' was taken to Morriston Hospital where he was diagnosed with a fractured tibia of his left leg. It’s a bitter blow for the defender who has played in all four divisions for Swansea for over a decade.

"We're really gutted for him and he's obviously very disappointed," said Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers.

''He's a very upbeat character so for him to be injured will be difficult because I've never known him miss one day's training. To be out for up to six months with what's happened will be absolutely devastating.''

Midfielder Leon Britton reflects on the blow “if the accident happened on the training ground or in a game then it would be a lot easier to accept because its part and parcel of the game. But this was a freak accident and is hard to take.”

For golf club members, being injured or ill could result in being unable to play for a number of months also but can still be liable for membership fees which can run into thousands and many golf clubs do not refund these fees.

Golfplan can reimburse its policy holders up to £2000 of club membership fees following an accident or sickness rendering you unable to play golf. Golf club membership fee cover is provided up to the age of 70.

What to do now:

Our policyholders gain from a unique package of essential insurance benefits that no other golf insurer provides, go online to compare: www.golfplan.co.uk/policy_comparison.asp

Find the right Golfplan Policy for you: www.golfplan.co.uk/premiums_and_policy_options.asp

View Golfplan's essential benefits:  www.golfplan.co.uk/policy_benefits.asp

Call 0800 591 834 ext 1 for a free quote.

Tag Heuer ends $10m sponsorship deal with Tiger Woods

Luxury Swiss watch maker Tag Heuer ended a $10m sponsorship with the former World No.1golfer, according to Golf World, when his contract expired.

The contract is believed to be worth more than $10m and is another financial blow to Woods as the Swiss firm is the sixth major sponsor to drop him following scandals about his personal life. Woods has already lost Gillette, Gatorade, Accenture, AT&T and Golf Digest as sponsors.

The series of allegations in his personal life was reported to have cost Woods more than $25m in sponsorship deals.

Other major sponsors, including Nike and EA Sports, have stood by the sportsman, however golf websites reported that Woods has had his sponsorship pay cut by Nike failing to win any major tournament in the last two years.

Woods is still estimated to be worth about $500 million but since his personal life became public almost two years ago he has not won a single tournament.

Woods attempt at a comeback this week following a three-month injury lay-off due to a knee and Achilles knocks at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in Akron, Ohio did not go well, with Woods finishing in tied 37th.

Pain and misery at the 2011 US PGA Championships

Rory McIlroy returned to Atlanta Athletic Club golf course this morning, teeing off for his second round at the US PGA Championship despite straining a tendon in his wrist yesterday.

There were concerns as to whether it was wise for the 22-year-old to play, but one thing you can definitely say about McIlroy is that he’s determined.

Yesterday Rory McIlroy attempted to play a shot on the third hole where his seven-iron collided with a tree root.

The pre-tournament favourites ill shot was revealed when his ball rebounded off the tree, he dropped the club immediately and grabbed his wrist and played the rest of his round in considerable pain.

On the fourth he was given an ice pack and advice “Don't do anything stupid for the sake of playing," Darren Clarke the Open champion told his young playing partner.

Already there have been comparisons made to the 2008 US Open when after almost every shot Woods was in agony. Woods famously proceeded to win “on one leg.” This comparison became slightly more realistic when McIlroy who was clearly in pain produced another great bunker to birdie the par-five fifth and then holed a long putt on the sixth.

The Northern Irishman played three more holes – and to his credit, birdied two of them – before a strapping was applied to the wrist by his own Physiotherapist Cronel Driessen on the 9th.

At the 12th hole it looked as if Driessen might have pushed the rules, as he was seen talking with Rory and shaking his head as he considered a chip shot. Did this constitute advice and thereby a two-shot penalty? Rules Official Kerry Haigh reviewed the incident and gave McIlroy the all-clear.

Yesterday the most painful thing to watch was Tiger Woods. The day started well but by mid-round he was struggling to say the least. By the end it was a question of whether he would make the cut.

Woods made his worst-ever opening round in a major since 1996 and, unless he can improve significantly on his seven-over-par 77, needing a round of 68 or better to make the cut, he will be out of the US PGA tonight and out of the FedEx Cup play-offs as well.

"Got off to a great start today, was 3 under early, was having mechanical thoughts through those holes … and I thought, 'I can let it go' and play by instinct and feel," Woods said yesterday. "And it just screwed up my whole round. I'm not at that point where I can do that yet."

Woods faces another blow to his confidence and a month on the sidelines

The Open Champion Prize Fund Increases for the Second Year in a Row

The R&A has announced the prize fund will increase to £5 million, with the 2011 Open Champion receiving a cheque for £900,000.

The Open Championship, played since 1860, golf’s oldest Major, takes place on Thursday 14th to Sunday 17th July 2011 returning to Royal St. Georges for the 14th time.

The Open is the Major everyone wants to win, with qualifying events on every continent. The Claret Jug, or, The Golf Champion Trophy, is presented to each year’s winner of The Open Championship, which is followed by millions of fans worldwide.

The prize fund has been increased by over 5%, from last year’s £850,000. The total prize fund remained at £4.2 million for 2007, 2008 and 2009, before being increased to £4.8 million for the 150th Anniversary Open, last year.

Organised by The R&A, The Open delivers an annual economic benefit of £100 million to its host region.

"Each year the R&A strives to ensure the Open provides the very best in all areas of the event," chief executive Peter Dawson said in a news release. "From spectator and media facilities to player experience and performance reward, every aspect of the Open is under regular review to ensure it remains at the forefront of championship golf."



2011 OPEN PRIZE MONEY

1st - £900,000
2nd - £520,000
3rd - £335,000
4th - £260,000
5th - £210,000
6th - £180,000
7th - £155,000
8th - £130,000
9th - £115,000
10th - £104,000

Rory Glory US Open Annihilation

The World witnessed the 22 year old Irishman Rory McIlroy become the youngest US Open champion since Bobby Jones in 1923, winning with a record breaking score of 268, 16 under par.

McIlroy managed to take the lead over a collection of the world's best; YE Yang, Lee Westwood, Sergio García, and Jason Day.

Eight shots ahead overnight, he immediately extended that with a birdie at the 1st. At the 10th – a par-three requiring the players to hit their tee shots over a vast expanse of water to the green – he hit a six-iron to three inches. He did not miss the putt. It was obvious we were watching something very special.

The Northern Irishman dropped a shot at the 12th hole but by then he was able to relax – smiling and waving to the crowds, finally achieving what everyone knew he was capable of.

Won by a margin of eight shots, Rory McIlroy, followed the disappointment of his Augusta Masters collapse two months ago with a show that will go down in history alongside that of Tiger Woods at Pebble Beach in 2000.

When the final putt dropped he fell into the arms of his father, Gerry.

"Rory is going to have a great career , there is no question about that. He has got all the components,'' said Jack Nicklaus, the 18-time major champion.

Nicklaus is not alone, McIlroy’s appeal is global; the American crowds chanted his name in Washington over the last holes.

McIlroy has also risen to fourth in the world rankings with Luke Donald, Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer sat above.

When the world's best assemble for the next major, the Open at Royal St Georges, Sandwich in mid-July, it will be McIlroy who will be the main attraction.

Sports Academy in Maldon adds Club maker of the Year, Lee Porter to its curriculum

The Sports Academy in Maldon, Essex where 16 year olds to pros are trained, has appointed GCA Club maker of the Year Lee Porter, to speak with its students as a regular part of the teaching curriculum.

Academy-owner Barry Lakin believes there aren’t any similar further education establishments that recognizes the importance of club making, and that has identified the means to deal with it effectively.

Lee Porter is well-known for making some of the best custom fit irons in the world but is also aware of the need of different players’ abilities and budgets.

“I do have clients who gleefully pay as much as £1,200 for a set of custom-made irons,” says Porter. “But that’s where their game is at that time. They’re comfortable with premium Japanese forged steel heads and the best shaft technology money can buy. The majority of my customers, though, are people who need club-adjustment or maybe just a new custom-built driver.

“With young players their mental focus is so acute and their physiology so adaptable, that it often takes only good club maintenance, keeping an eye on club loft & lie, or just noting how improved swing characteristics can benefit from a Tour flex shaft to optimize their game.”

If you are a parent who is worried about damage or theft of your child’s equipment, Golfplan Insurance provide New for Old cover for custom made clubs. Golfplan Insurance also provide a Junior Policy for anyone up to the age of 17 years with £500 of golfing equipment for only £35 per year – new for old cover plus up to £5 million public liability, you can find out more about these and other policy benefits here.