Importance of Golf Course Risk Management

Golf has been the most surprising sport to me, risk-management-wise. It seems so serene considering that the television announcers virtually whisper when the players tee-off during pro tournaments. The year I became president of an insurance organization, I was determined to require that players sign liability waivers before participating in our annual golf tournament. This plan was met with opposition as I was told that there was little exposure in golf and that those playing in the golf tournament would not agree to sign liability waivers. On both counts such opposition was not correct.

Every golfer that has participated since we instituted the liability waiver requirement has signed without complaint. Many have made jokes about it, but all have signed with some expectation that before participating in any sporting event, signing such document is required. As for the loss exposure issue, golf seems to be the sport with the greatest exposure. When reviewing published appellate court cases in preparation for writing my book, “Managing Risk in Sport and Recreation: The Essential Guide for Loss Prevention”, I discovered that there were a greater number of appellate decisions written about golf than any other sport. My golf chapter is the longest in the book. The reason for this is twofold. Firstly, people that participate in golf are more likely to have the economic means and education to file lawsuits in the event of an injury. Secondly, golf involves more potential hazards than any other sport.

Consider the fact that golf courses even identify certain characteristics of golf courses as hazards, e.g., water hazards. People have been known to drown and drive golf carts in water hazards. Errant golf balls hit players and bystanders in the head. People can be injured by swinging clubs. Golf carts, driven by minors, drunk patrons and the minimally skilled have been known to overturn, hit players and be hit by lightning. Players and others slip and trip on the course and in the clubhouse. There are all sorts of problems with adjacent houses and streets. The 19th hole is most hazardous as its patrons become intoxicated. The minute that a person dons plaid pants and ventures onto a golf course, he takes his life in his hands. Consequently, it is wise of golf course management to be conscientious about risk management.