In California, wildfires have caused poor air quality and golf course closures. In Miami, over half of the city’s courses sit below newly raised drainage levels — a warning that they may soon become “perpetually deeper bathtubs,” according to CNN. And along the Gulf Coast, Hurricanes Helene and Milton caused tens of millions of dollars in damage to golf courses, with flooding, wind damage, and storm surges leaving fairways, clubhouses, and irrigation systems in disrepair and disrupting play for months.
These aren’t isolated events. Across the globe and here in the United States, climate change is transforming how golf courses are maintained, insured, and even played. Droughts are straining water supplies, floods are eroding greens and bunkers, and rising temperatures are reducing the number of playable days. For insurance agents, these changes translate directly into rising golf course insurance costs — and the need for smarter, more specialized policies.
Rising Weather Risks for Golf Courses
The risks are growing on multiple fronts. In 2024, the United States saw 27 weather/climate disaster events, each causing more than $1 billion in damages. With their open layouts and resource-heavy maintenance, golf courses are especially exposed.
- Flooding and erosion: More intense storms damage greens, cause soil erosion, and wash out infrastructure.
- Wildfire and air quality: In the western United States, deadly wildfires have destroyed turf, closed courses, and created unplayable conditions due to hazardous air.
- Water scarcity: Utah’s Salt Lake County golf courses use 9 million gallons of water daily to stay green, making them highly vulnerable to drought restrictions.
- Rising temperatures: Warmer weather encourages invasive grass varieties (such as Bermuda), adding costly maintenance challenges and reducing course usability.
These environmental shifts don’t just hurt operations — they directly increase claims risk, making premiums more expensive for golf clubs.
Cost Drivers Behind Insurance Premiums
Insurers look at a mix of location, claims history, and climate volatility when pricing golf course insurance costs. More frequent and severe disasters lead to:
- Higher payouts for property damage, debris removal, and business interruption
- Shifting coverage requirements as insurers reevaluate policy limits and deductibles
- Strain on cost allocation, which drives up premiums even for courses with no prior losses
Flood coverage, once seen as optional for some inland clubs, is now becoming essential. Earthquake coverage is also seeing renewed attention as part of comprehensive risk management for courses in seismically active areas.
Regional Trends Across the United States
Due to hurricanes and rising sea levels, coastal clubs could face the steepest premium hikes. Inland flash floods are becoming more common, even in regions that once had minimal risk. Wildfire risk dominates in the West, while drought conditions drive water scarcity and long-term sustainability issues.
Many underserved markets lack robust flood or climate coverage — but T2 Green offers specialized solutions to close those gaps.
What Kind of Coverage Do Golf Courses Need?
Standard commercial property policies often miss the most expensive exposures for golf courses. They may exclude:
- Debris removal after major storms
- Restoration of damaged greens and playing surfaces
- Flood-related damages to outdoor property
T2 Green’s Tee to Green coverage is designed for these exact risks. Paired with optional flood and earthquake protection, it helps clubs stay financially secure even when weather volatility disrupts play and operations.
Helping Agents Advise With Confidence
As an agent, you can help clubs anticipate premium increases and build a resilient plan by asking questions like:
- Does your current policy include flood and debris removal coverage?
- How would you handle downtime if a wildfire or hurricane forced you to close for weeks?
- Is your coverage keeping pace with changing climate risks in your region?
By citing real-world examples — from Miami’s drainage crisis to wildfire closures in California — you demonstrate that you understand the risks and have access to a trusted partner in T2 Green.
Climate-Smart Insurance for Golf Clubs
Climate change is no longer a distant problem — it’s reshaping golf course insurance costs right now. Floods, droughts, wildfires, and rising seas are forcing clubs to rethink how they protect their most valuable assets. T2 Green offers specialized coverage designed for these evolving risks. Contact us today to help your clients stay protected and ready for whatever comes next.
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.
