Courtesy of Sentry Insurance
Every golf course has its own character. It’s what draws people to fairways and clubhouses throughout the country. Yet, the same qualities that make your golf course a popular attraction for players, fans and community members are often the same areas where risk exists.
Let’s put risk in the perspective of a pro golfer. They take time to understand yardages, read the green and identify hazards on each hole. Those qualities and more help inform how that golfer approaches their next shot.
The same overarching strategy applies to managing your course. By understanding your risks — and where they exist — you can better avoid losses and protect your business. Let’s look at some of the common operations on your golf course, and what risks you could face.
1. Weather
Your course’s property is the essence of your business. Every aspect of your course, from its tees and greens, adds to your business’s personality. Any damage to your property could set your bottom line back months and alter the qualities that make your course unique.
With much of your business located outdoors, severe weather poses one of the greatest risks to your course. Strong winds, heavy rain, dry heat, hail and frost can all leave behind damage to your grounds, clubhouse and surrounding property.
2. Vandalism
Like severe weather, vandalism presents an ongoing risk to your property. Many golf courses are a popular target for vandalism due to the open access to land and facilities.
And the aftermath could leave your business picking up the pieces. You may get left with the cost of replacing broken windows, signage, and equipment. Golf course vandalism can also extend to your grounds, with vandals targeting greens and fairways in the past. One of many stories like this could total thousands of dollars in cost — and interrupt your business.
3. Theft
Beyond damage to your property, thieves may target valuable materials and assets located at your business. Yet, the source of theft may surprise many superintendents. Both employees and others outside of your organization can steal from your business. The type of theft can range from stolen golf clubs and carts to cash and fraudulent costs.
Pictured: Author Mike Schimke of Sentry Insurance.
4. Slips, trips and falls
The same property that brings your guests and employees joy can also lead to injuries. Some of the most common injury claims for businesses — including golf courses — are slips, trips and falls. Slips may occur around wet surfaces or areas affected by the weather. On the other hand, trips often occur when someone’s foot hits an object and causes them to lose balance. Common causes of trips include uneven walking surfaces, uncovered cables and cluttered walkways. Finally, falls — while often misleading by their name — can happen at any height, including the level someone is walking on. The source of a fall can include stairs, ladders or uneven terrain.
5. Errant golf balls
Golfers of all skill levels hit a stray ball eventually. The question is whether an errant ball safely lands in the trees — or results in something worse. If a golf ball causes property damage or a personal injury, yelling “Fore!” may not be enough. The owner of the damaged property, or an injured bystander, may consider your business responsible for the cost of damages.
6. Liquor liability
Many courses serve or sell alcohol to guests. If your business is one of them, a guest may become intoxicated even if your staff is careful. And one too many drinks can harm more than a golfer’s final scorecard. If an intoxicated guest damages someone’s property or causes injury, the affected party may ask your business to pay any associated costs.
7. Golf carts and equipment
Equipment keeps your business and guests moving forward. If your mowers, tractors or aeration equipment break down, it could affect the quality of your course and even interrupt operations. Likewise, many guests rely on your golf carts for transportation. If your carts aren’t properly maintained — or if drivers misuse them — it could lead to personal injuries, property damage or breakdowns.
8. Herbicide and pesticide application
Part of maintaining your course’s appearance may involve the use of pesticides and herbicides. Proceed with caution: the same substances could present environmental risks, damage to surrounding property or personal harm.
9. Golf and tennis lessons
People may visit your course for more than a round of golf. Occasionally, your business may offer golf or tennis lessons to guests. While your instruction might be well intended, any negligent acts or errors related to your services, such as an injury from lessons, could result in liability for your business.
10. Staff and employees
You and your staff represent all aspects of your business. Every touchpoint from your first hire to the most recent customer interaction could improve your business — or pose a risk. Common challenges related to your employees include inconsistent hiring standards, employee misconduct and worker injuries.
Understand your insurance coverages
The risks I’ve shared in this article likely exist on your golf course in some capacity — and each could serve as its own dedicated topic. For now, use this information as a tool. You can take several steps to manage these risks using proactive safety strategies. Still, accidents may happen. Insurance can provide added peace of mind and financial support if your business faces an incident. The types and amount of coverage you need will vary based on your course’s risks. Talk with an insurer who specializes in golf course coverages to help you determine the best policy that protects your business.
The takeaway
You know your golf course better than anybody — including the knowledge and hard work it takes to run it. Don’t let an overlooked risk detract from what you’ve built. Talk with your staff and local experts to ensure you’re taking steps to reduce incidents and protect your bottom line.
Mike Schimke is the chief underwriting officer for Sentry Insurance. Sentry provides insurance, risk management and retirement services to golf courses. Schimke can be reached at mike.schimke@sentry.com.
