Golf Course & Country Club Insurance Policy Information

Golf Course & Country Club Insurance Golf courses and country clubs offer an excellent business opportunity for those who invest in them. They can prove to be quite lucrative, as golf is a very popular pastime and country clubs can be used for a variety of purposes, including different functions and events.

While owning a golf course and country club can certainly be rewarding, as with any businesses, there are certain risks associated with this type of venture. In order to protect your business, yourself, your staff, and your clientele, having the right insurance coverage is a necessity.

Country clubs offer many recreational opportunities to members and their guests. While golfing is often the primary draw, swimming, tennis, racquetball, handball, skiing, horse trails, and other sporting activities may also be available.

Most country clubs have restaurants, snack bars, lounges, or bars. Some offer rental facilities, catering services, and retail shops. Repair services may be available. Lessons may be offered to beginners. Tournament events may be held on premises.

Golf courses vary in size and complexity, and may be municipally or privately owned and operated. They can be 18 hole, 9 hole, 3 par, miniature golf and/or a driving range. Longer courses will offer rental carts.

Some have snack bars or retail shops or offer lessons or repair services. Depending on the climate, operations may be seasonal or conducted year-round. Some sponsor tournaments on premises.

What type of golf course & country club insurance policies do you need as the owner of a property? Below, we outline some of the most important coverage options that you should have.

Golf course & country club insurance protects public, daily fee, country clubs, and semi-private clubs from many liabilities - with rates as low as $227/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.

Below are some answers to commonly asked golf course & country club insurance questions:

What Is Golf Course And Country Club Insurance?
How Much Does Golf Course And Country Club Insurance Cost?
Why Do Golf Courses And Country Clubs Need Insurance?
What Type Of Insurance Do Golf Courses And Country Clubs Need?
What Does Golf Course And Country Club Insurance Cover & Pay For?

What Is Golf Course And Country Club Insurance?

Golf Course and Country Club insurance is a type of insurance that is specifically designed for golf courses and country clubs. This type of insurance covers the unique risks and liabilities that these businesses face, such as damage to the course, injuries to players and guests, and liability for any accidents or incidents that may occur on the property.

Golf Course and Country Club insurance typically includes coverage for property damage, liability, and workers' compensation. Property damage coverage can include protection for the course itself, as well as any buildings or structures on the property. Liability coverage can protect the club from claims related to injuries or accidents that occur on the property, such as slips and falls, and can also include coverage for damage to property belonging to others. Workers' compensation coverage can provide protection for employees who are injured on the job.

In addition to these standard coverage options, Golf Course and Country Club insurance can also include coverage for specific risks such as floods and hurricanes, as well as coverage for events and special events that may be held on the property.

How Much Does Golf Course And Country Club Insurance Cost?

The average price of a standard $1,000,000/$2,000,000 General Liability Insurance policy for small golf courses and country clubs ranges from $227 to $259 per month based on location, size, payroll, services offered, membership and experience.

Why Do Golf Courses And Country Clubs Need Insurance?

Golf courses and country clubs are unique businesses that require specialized insurance coverage to protect against potential risks. These facilities often have a large number of employees, customers, and property that are exposed to various hazards.

One of the primary reasons for insurance is to protect against liability claims. Golf courses and country clubs are responsible for maintaining safe grounds, facilities, and equipment. This means that if a customer or employee is injured on the property, the business could be held liable for their medical expenses and other damages. Insurance can help cover these costs, allowing the business to continue operating without financial hardship.

Another important aspect of insurance for golf courses and country clubs is property coverage. These businesses have a significant investment in buildings, equipment, and vehicles. Insurance can help protect against damage or loss due to natural disasters, vandalism, or theft. Without insurance, a single incident could cause a significant financial burden for the business.

Finally, insurance can also provide protection for the business in the event of interruption or loss of income. This can include coverage for events such as fires, storms, or other disasters that cause the golf course or country club to shut down temporarily. Without insurance, the business would have to bear the financial burden of lost revenue during this time.

Overall, insurance is essential for golf courses and country clubs as it helps protect the business and its assets from potential risks and liabilities. Without insurance, these businesses would be at a high risk of financial loss due to unexpected events.

What Type Of Insurance Do Golf Courses And Country Clubs Need?

Commercial General Liability Insurance For Golf Courses & Country Clubs

Though it is one of the most basic forms of insurance that a business can have, commercial general liability insurance is one of the most important types of insurance coverage that you should have as the owner of a golf course and/or country club.

This type of coverage provides protection for the daily risks and hazards that your establishment could be subjected to. Moreover, it financially safeguards your business in the event that a member of your country club or golf course sustains a physical injury on your property or as a result of one of the products that you offer, or should someone file a legal suit for any wrongdoing.

In other words, general liability insurance is a base level coverage that provides protection against things that could arise that you may have never thought could or would happen. The following are covered under a golf course & country club insurance policy:

Premises Liability Coverage: This aspect of general liability coverage provides protection for anything that may occur on the premises of your golf course or country club. For example, should someone trip in a divot on your golf course or slip on a wet floor in the dining room of your country club, sustains an injury and files a legal suit, premises liability under commercial liability insurance will protect you. It covers the cost of any medical costs that are associated with the injury a person sustains, as well as any legal fees and compensation for damages.
Products Liability: Whenever you sell products to the general public, your business is at risk for legal action in the event that a product you sold is defective and causes an injury. For example, if you sold a golf club that wasn't assembled properly and broke in mid-swing, resulting in part of the club hitting a golfer in the eye, you could be held liable. Products liability coverage under your general liability insurance will cover the cost of any damages sustained as a result of a defective product, in addition to legal proceedings that may arise.
Completed Operations: After providing a service for a client, there is a chance that he or she could sue your business after the service was provided. For example, if you hosted an event at your country club and you injured someone or harmed them in any way after the event was completed, they may seek restitution. Completed operations will provide coverage for any injuries or damages, in addition to covering the cost of legal defense fees.

Workers Compensation

It takes a large staff to operate a golf course or country club. As such, you are going to need to have workers' compensation insurance. This coverage protects all of your staff from any accidents, injuries, or illnesses that they may sustain while they are on the job.

For example, if an employee suffers an injury that results in a broken bone, workers' compensation insurance will cover the cost of medical care, as well as cover lost wages, compensation, and could even assist with training for a future job outside of your facility.

Commercial Auto

If you operate vehicles for business-related reasons, you should make sure that you secure business auto insurance coverage. Should an accident occur in a company vehicle, this type of insurance will cover the cost of the damage, any injuries, and any items that were damaged in the vehicle.

Golf Course Specific Coverages

Following are some golf course specific coverage available:

Tee-to-Green Coverage - Pays for a covered loss to teeing grounds, fairways and putting greens, as well as miscellaneous golf course property, including ball washers, sprinkler systems, benches and directional signs.
Medical Payments - Golf Participants - Extends medical payments coverage to include members, guests or customers while playing golf on your course.
Golf Cart Coverage - Pays for a covered loss to golf carts that you own, lease, rent or borrow.
Liquor Liability Coverage - Covers your legal liability related to the sale, service or furnishing of alcoholic beverages.
Golf Course Chemical Application - Protects your business against claims arising out of the application of pesticides, insecticides and herbicides on your premises.

Golf Course'd & Country Club's Risks & Exposures

Premises liability exposures are significant due to the number of visitors to the premises and the varied types of operations. Public and life safety code compliance is very important. Visitors can be injured by slips or falls, be hit by flying golf balls, or drown in swimming pools. Adequate lighting, marked exits, and egress are mandatory.

Stairways, elevators, railings, and floor coverings should be in good condition. Exits should be clearly marked and free of obstacles. Parking areas should be maintained free of snow and ice. Golf carts can overturn or collide with stationary objects. Many courses require customers to sign hold harmless agreements before using the facilities or renting a golf cart. If lessons are offered to children, it is important to conduct criminal background checks on instructors.

A driving range should be physically separated from the rest of the facility, with barriers to prevent the balls from flying into roadways and neighboring houses. If tournaments are conducted on premises, additional security may be needed to control crowds. Horseback riding and water sports have distinctive concerns and require careful review.

Swimming pools should be fenced, with a self-closing gate and depths clearly marked. Pool rules should be prominently displayed, with lifesaving equipment accessible at all times. Personal injury exposures include assault, discrimination, defamation of character, false arrest, invasion of privacy, or unlawful detention.

Liquor liability exposures are extensive if employees are not properly trained to recognize the effects of excessive alcohol consumption. Club policy should be clear regarding drinking, and the servers must adhere to the policy. IDs must be checked and no underage or intoxicated individuals should be served. Taxi delivery should be available for impaired individuals.

Products liability exposure is from the cooking and eating facilities. Employees should be trained in the proper handling of consumables to prevent foreign objects in food, food poisoning, or the spread of other transmissible diseases. The pro shop may sell golf equipment and provide repair services.

Environmental impairment exposure is due to the herbicides and pesticides used to maintain the grounds. All individuals who apply chemicals must be appropriately licensed and products must be used according to directions. Chemicals may leach into surrounding areas, affecting the air, land or groundwater. Batteries from golf carts must be disposed of properly.

Workers compensation exposure can be high. Cleaning and maintenance operations can result in lung, eye or skin irritations and reactions. Slip and falls, back injury, hernias, sprains and strains from lifting or working at awkward positions are common. The parking lot and sidewalk snow removal may be handled by employees or outside contractors. If employees are responsible, there are potentials for strain and fall injuries.

Food preparation operations can result in cuts, scrapes, and burns. Driving limousines presents exposure to over-the-road accidents. Interaction with members and their guests can be difficult.

Employees should be trained in dealing with rowdy guests. Pros and instructors, caddies, lifeguards, and others who may be involved in related positions will have the potential for slips, falls, strains, sprains, being hit by errant golf balls or equipment, drowning, or assaulted by robbers or unruly patrons.

Property exposure is moderate. Ignition sources include electrical wiring, heating and air conditioning systems, and cooking equipment. Country clubs are often located in rural areas at a distance from fire departments. Firefighting activities can be hampered, especially during inclement weather when roads may be impassable.

Fire detection and suppression systems should be in place to permit an early response to a fire. Wiring should be up to date and meet current codes. All cooking equipment must be properly controlled and maintained. Fire extinguishers should be available throughout the facility and properly tagged. Chemicals such as insecticide, pesticide, or herbicides used to maintain the grounds may be flammable and should be stored separately from other operations. Machinery and equipment can catch on fire if not properly maintained.

If there is a retail shop, theft can be an additional concern. Golf carts can be electrically powered or gasoline powered. If gasoline is used, the fueling operation needs to be separate from other facilities. If carts are electrically powered, they can release flammable hydrogen gas while being recharged.

The charging room must be well ventilated. The premises should be protected against unauthorized access after hours. Business income and extra expense can be substantial due to lack of backup facilities and the amount of revenue generated from indoor activities.

Crime exposure is from employee dishonesty and money and securities. Background checks should be conducted on all employees handling money. All orders, billing and reimbursement responsibilities should be separated and records should be reconciled on a regular basis. Regular deposits must be made, with no money kept on premises overnight. Annual external audits should be conducted.

Inland marine exposure is from accounts receivable if the club bills members for dues, computers, contractors' equipment for machinery used to maintain the premises, and valuable papers and records for charters, members', and suppliers' information. Bailees exposure results from the handling of members' goods, such as those left for service or repair, or while using locker rooms or coatrooms.

If safe deposit boxes are offered, security procedures should be reviewed. Copies of all data should be maintained off site for easy restoration after a loss. Golf cart coverage should be considered if the club offers storage and fueling to members' carts as well as its own.

Commercial auto exposure is generally limited to hired and non-owned for employees running errands. If there is any limo, transport, pickup, or delivery services, drivers must have appropriate driver's licenses and acceptable MVRs. Any owned vehicles must be maintained on a regular basis with all service documented. When Valet services are present, garagekeepers exposures for damages to guests' vehicles should be addressed.

What Does Golf Course And Country Club Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Golf Course And Country Club Insurance Claim Form

Golf courses and country clubs may face lawsuits for various reasons, including personal injury claims, property damage, discrimination, wrongful termination, and liquor liability. Insurance can help protect these businesses by providing coverage for legal expenses and damages awarded against them.

Here are some examples of how insurance can help pay for lawsuits:

Personal injury claims: Golf courses and country clubs may be held liable for injuries suffered by patrons or employees. For example, a golfer could be injured by a faulty golf cart or a slip and fall on a wet surface. Liability insurance can provide coverage for legal expenses and damages awarded against the golf course or country club.

Property damage: Golf courses and country clubs may face claims for damage to property caused by golf balls, equipment, or maintenance activities. Property damage insurance can provide coverage for the costs of repairing or replacing damaged property.

Discrimination: Golf courses and country clubs may be sued for discrimination based on race, gender, age, or other protected characteristics. Employment practices liability insurance can provide coverage for legal expenses and damages awarded against the business.

Wrongful termination: Golf courses and country clubs may face claims from employees who allege they were wrongfully terminated. Employment practices liability insurance can provide coverage for legal expenses and damages awarded against the business.

Liquor liability: Golf courses and country clubs that serve alcohol may face claims for injuries or damages caused by intoxicated patrons. Liquor liability insurance can provide coverage for legal expenses and damages awarded against the business.

In summary, insurance can help protect golf courses and country clubs from the financial impact of lawsuits by providing coverage for legal expenses and damages awarded against them. By having adequate insurance coverage in place, these businesses can better manage the risks they face and protect their financial stability.

Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification

SIC CODE: 7992 Public Golf Courses, 7999 Amusement and Recreation Services, Not Elsewhere Classified
NAICS CODE: 713910 Golf Courses and Country Clubs, 713990 All Other Amusement and Recreation Industries
Suggested Workers Compensation Code(s): 9016 Amusement Park or Exhibition Operation & Drivers, 9060 Club - Country, Golf, Fishing, or Yacht - All Employees & Clerical, Salespersons, Drivers

7992: Public Golf Course

Division I: Services | Major Group 79: Amusement And Recreation Services | Industry Group 799: Miscellaneous Amusement And Recreation

7992 Public Golf Course: Establishments primarily engaged in the operation of golf courses open to the general public on a contract or fee basis. Membership golf and country clubs are classified in Industry 7997. Miniature golf courses and golf driving ranges are classified in Industry 7999.

Golf club, nonmembership
Golf courses, public: operation of

7999: Amusement and Recreation Services, Not Elsewhere Classified

Division I: Services | Major Group 79: Amusement And Recreation Services | Industry Group 799: Miscellaneous Amusement And Recreation

7999 Amusement and Recreation Services, Not Elsewhere Classified: Establishments primarily engaged in the operation of sports, amusement, and recreation services, not elsewhere classified, such as bathing beaches, swimming pools, riding academies and schools, carnival operation, exposition operation, horse shows, picnic grounds operation, rental of rowboats and canoes, and shooting galleries. Establishments primarily engaged in showing or handling animals at shows or exhibitions are classified in Agricultural Services, Industry Group 075.

Aerial tramways, amusement or scenic
Amusement concessions
Amusement rides
Animal shows in circuses, fairs, and carnivals
Archery ranges, operation of
Astrologers
Baseball instruction schools
Basketball instruction schools
Bath houses, independently operated
Bathing beaches, public
Betting information services
Billiard parlors
Bingo parlors
Boat rental, pleasure
Boats, party fishing: operation of
Bookies
Bookmakers, race
Bowling instruction
Bridge club, nonmembership
Bridge instruction
Cable lifts, amusement or scenic: operated separately from lodges
Canoe rental
Card rooms
Carnival operation
Cave operation
Circus companies
Concession operators, amusement devices and rides
Day camps
Exhibition operation
Exposition operation
Fairs, agricultural: operation of
Fireworks display service
Fishing piers ant lakes, operation of
Fortune tellers
Gambling establishments not primarily operating coin-operated
Gambling machines, except coin-operated operation of
Game parlors, except coin-operated
Games, teaching of
Gocart raceway operation
Gocart rentals
Golf courses, miniature operation of
Golf driving ranges
Golf professionals not operating retail stores
Golf, pitch-n-putt
Gymnastics instruction
Handball courts, except membership club
Horse shows
Houseboat rentals
Hunting guides
Ice skating rink operation
Judo instruction
Karate instruction
Lifeguard service
Lotteries, operation of
Lottery club and ticket sales to individuals
Moped rental
Motorcycle rental
Natural wonders, tourist attraction: commercial
Observation tower operation
Off-track betting
Pack trains for amusement
Parachute training for pleasure
Phrenologists
Picnic grounds operation
Ping pong parlors
Pool parlors
Racquetball courts, except membership clubs
Rental of beach chairs and accessories
Rental of bicycles
Rental of golf carts
Rental of rowboats and canoes
Rental of saddle horses
Riding academies and schools
Riding stables
River rafting, operation of
Rodeo animal rental
Rodeos, operation of
Roller skating rink operation
Scenic railroads for amusement
Schools and camps, sports instructional
Scuba and skin diving instruction
Shooting galleries
Shooting ranges, operation of
Skating instruction, ice or roller
Skeet shooting facilities, except membership clubs
Ski instruction
Ski lifts, cable lifts, and ski tows operated separately from lodges
Ski rental concessions
Slot-car racetracks
Sporting goods rental
Sports instructors, professional: golf, skiing, swimming, etc.
Sports professionals
Swimming instruction
Swimming pools, except membership
Tennis clubs, nonmembership
Tennis courts, outdoor and indoor operation of, nonmembership
Tennis professionals
Ticket sales offices for sporting events, contract
Tourist attractions, natural wonder commercial
Tourist guides
Trampoline operation
Trapshooting facilities, except membership club
Waterslides, operation of
Wave pools, operation of
Wax figure exhibitions
Yoga instruction

Golf Course & Country Club Insurance - The Bottom Line

When you choose the right business insurance, you can operate with confidence. Speak to a professional broker who can customize an insurance program specific to the needs of your golf course or country club.

Additional Resources For Sports & Fitness Insurance

Learn about small business sports & fitness insurance policies and what they cover so that your customers, employees, and equipment are protected.

The sports and fitness industry is a high-risk industry that requires insurance to protect businesses and individuals from unexpected accidents and injuries. This is especially important for businesses that offer physical activities or equipment, as they are more likely to face lawsuits if a customer is injured while participating in their services.

Additionally, the sports and fitness industry often involves high-value equipment and facilities that need to be protected from damages caused by natural disasters, vandalism, or theft. Commercial insurance can provide coverage for these types of losses, ensuring that businesses are able to continue operating and providing services to their customers.

Business insurance also plays a critical role in protecting the personal health and safety of those participating in sports and fitness activities. Accidents and injuries can occur at any time, and having the right insurance coverage can provide financial protection for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs.

Overall, the sports and fitness industry needs insurance to safeguard businesses and individuals from the risks and challenges that come with providing physical activities and equipment. Without insurance, the industry would be vulnerable to significant financial and legal losses, which could ultimately harm its ability to thrive and grow.

Minimum recommended small business insurance coverage: Building, Business Personal Property, Business Income and Extra Expense, Employee Dishonesty, Money and Securities, Accounts Receivable, Bailees, Computers, Contractors' Equipment, Golf Carts, Valuable Papers and Records, General Liability, Employee Benefits, Environmental Impairment, Umbrella, Hired and Non-owned Auto & Workers Compensation.

Other commercial insurance policies to consider: Earthquake, Equipment Breakdown, Flood, Mobile Equipment, Cyber Liability, Employment-related Practices, Liquor Liability, Business Automobile Liability and Physical Damage, Garagekeepers, Stop Gap Liability and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) (Drones).

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