A golf facility’s operations can change considerably between renewals, and those changes may create exposures the existing insurance program no longer reflects. Renovations, new events, additional vendors, and changes in course operations can all affect the risks an agent needs to consider. Reviewing golf course insurance coverage should start with a conversation about what has changed at the facility, rather than simply confirming what is already on the policy.
Review Property and Course Changes
Golf facilities continually invest in the property, from clubhouse renovations to drainage projects, landscaping, and improvements to playing surfaces. Agents need to know about those changes because existing property limits and coverage may no longer reflect what is on the ground.
Course conditions can also change, even without a major construction project. The United States Golf Association (USGA) has documented how weather conditions can damage or kill turf, sometimes requiring sod or other restoration work.
During renewal, ask:
- What is physically different about the property since we last set your limits?
- Has the club renovated, expanded, or repurposed any structures?
- Have playing surfaces, trees, drainage, or other course features changed?
- Have recent weather events revealed exposures that warrant another look at flood, wind, or other property coverage?
Review Maintenance Facilities and Equipment
New maintenance equipment can change both the value at risk and the liability surrounding course operations. Golf courses may add sprayers, mowers, utility vehicles, and other specialized machinery while also changing how they store, transport, and apply fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides.
The USGA notes that GPS sprayers and rough mowers can each cost more than $100,000 — a significant investment worth protecting. But agents should also look beyond the purchase price. Equipment used for chemical application can create exposure to spills, drift, runoff, accidental application to the wrong area, and third-party bodily injury or property damage. Storage practices, fuel tanks, wash areas, and the movement of chemicals around the property can add further exposure.
The review should cover equipment the course has added or replaced, how and where it is used and stored, who operates it, and what chemicals are being applied. Ask what else has changed since the last review, particularly around chemical application, storage practices, and day-to-day maintenance procedures.
Reassess Liability and Event Risk
How much of your clients’ revenue now comes from events and nonmember activity? A facility that once catered primarily to members may now host weddings, charity tournaments, corporate outings, and other events. Increased nonmember traffic can change liability exposures, particularly when events involve alcohol, temporary setups, or outside vendors.
Agents should also review how their clients prepare for tournament season, including vendor insurance requirements and changes in staffing. For agents reviewing country club insurance programs, ask what events the facility added, how many nonmembers use the property, whether alcohol service has expanded, and which third parties operate on-site.
Check Vehicles, Vendors, and Staffing
Operational changes do not stop at the clubhouse door. Seasonal employees, contractors, rented vehicles, employee-owned vehicles used for club business, and new management responsibilities can introduce exposures that were not part of the previous renewal discussion.
Agents should ask who is driving, working, or operating on your client’s behalf that was not a year ago. Confirm whether hired and non-owned auto coverage reflects current vehicle use, and review new vendor and contractor relationships. For golf management companies or resorts operating across multiple locations, the review should also account for changes in management responsibilities.
Align Golf Course Insurance Coverage With Current Operations
A renewal review should uncover what changed, not simply confirm what the client already carries. Property improvements, new events, changing course conditions, additional vendors, and transportation arrangements can all warrant a closer look at existing limits and coverage.
When operations change, golf course insurance coverage and country club insurance programs should be reviewed accordingly. Contact T2Green Insurance to discuss coverage options tailored to a client’s current operations.
About T2 Green Insurance
T2Green Insurance provides comprehensive insurance that is customized to your club, resort, or golf management company, from industry professionals whose sole focus is insuring this class. We are dedicated to providing you with innovative products, underwriting expertise, and exceptional results so that your insurance needs are covered with confidence. Reach us at 844-223-9005 with any questions or so we can begin tailoring a package that works best for your club.
