How can golf course clubhouse leaders flood-proof their green to ensure everyone enjoys it without liability issues? Can owners flood-proof the green? Although it is virtually impossible to prevent floods from affecting golf courses somehow, there are measures for minimizing potential damage.
But before floods even happen, golf course owners would do well to get flood insurance to cover the possible losses and damage that may occur. Tee-to-green coverage, in particular, can make it easier for owners to recover from such incidents. Insurance can help ensure the business’s continued operations after a disaster by providing greens repair and rehabilitation funds.
Flood-Proofing Methods for Golf Courses
Even after getting the appropriate insurance, golf course owners should take preventive measures to protect their investments. Of course, there is no guarantee that a major flood will leave the greens unscathed. But the following flood-proofing methods should minimize damages and losses and make it easier to recover from a flood.
Securing Business Plans
Business plans are crucial for a golf course’s continued operations after a flood. These documents typically include projected rounds, revenues, expenses, and lost play days. Given their importance, owners should keep these in a secure and dry location, preferably off-site.
If that isn’t possible, golf club owners should place plans in a secure box on the second floor. It is also advisable to keep digital copies of all essential documents.
Knowing the Area’s Geographical Characteristics
Familiarity with the area’s regional hydrology is crucial for safeguarding the property against floods. Owners should check the United States Golf Association’s (USGA) quad map to determine the location’s watershed and flood risk. They could hire an engineer to assess the area’s flood potential if necessary.
Modifying the Golf Course’s Design
Modifying the golf course’s design might seem drastic, but it could save the property. Greens, tees, and fairways should have higher above ground and consistently elevate as much as practicality allows.
Design Cart Paths Accordingly
Owners should give extra care to designing cart paths, the main access routes to the golf course. These should also be raised as much as possible, given practical and aesthetic considerations.
Improve Drainage
Raising the greens, fairways, and cart paths will likely cause drainage problems. But even if it doesn’t, they should take steps to improve the golf course’s drainage. They should enlarge undersized drain pipes to prevent clogging and increase water capacity.
Conclusion
There is little anyone can do to prevent floodwaters from affecting the property somehow. But as you can see from the tips outlined above, golf club leaders can take preventive measures to minimize damage and losses to golf courses. These strategies could significantly increase the chances of recovering from a significant flood.
About T2 Green Insurance
T2Green Insurance provides the best customized and comprehensive protection for your club, resort, or golf management business. Our niche expertise and sole focus is insuring this class, while our industry professionals are dedicated to providing exceptional results so that you can feel confident with your coverage. T2Green offers specialized coverage options that are unique in the industry. With our exclusive program unlike anything else on the market, you can feel peace of mind with protection that is tailored to your club’s unique needs. T2Green is driven by innovation and responsiveness in both coverage solutions and customer service. We understand the challenges that are presented in varying locations and seasons to write policies for clubs from coast to coast and everywhere in between so you can operate with confidence, no matter what conditions arise. Reach us at 844-223-9005 with any questions or so we can begin tailoring a package that works best for your club.
