Golf insurance: The £280,000 question

The value of golf insurance was highlighted when the Court of Session in Edinburgh ordered a golfer and golf club to pay damages of almost £400,000 to an injured party.

in the proportion of 70% – 30% respectively. It has highlighted the importance of individual golfers having specialist golf insurance which covers them for eventualities such as this that occur on the golf course.

Manchester man Anthony McPhee lost an eye after being hit by a shot from James Gordon at Niddry Castle in August 2007. McPhee told the court he felt his eye “explode” when the ball hit him.

Livingston man Gordon was judged to be 70 per cent to blame by Lord Brailsford at the Court of Session in Edinburgh and is therefore liable for £280,000.

The UK’s leading specialist golf insurance provider, Golf Care, would have covered the liable golfer for this sort of  incident.

Inexperienced golfer McPhee, who now has a prosthetic eye, was playing the course for the first time with some workmates with clubs he had bought at at car boot sale.

Niddry Castle member Gordon teed off from the 18th but pulled his shot left; despite calls of “fore”, and McPhee insisting he took cover, the Englishman was hit by the ball.

The UK’s leading specialist golf insurance provider, Golf Care, would have covered the liable golfer for this sort of incident.
Why take the risk? For less than £30 a year the liable golfer in this case would have been fully covered.
“It’s worrying that nine out of 10 golfers aren’t adequately covered when they step on the course. Mr McPhee’s case proves that accidents happen, and can cost golfers a fortune,” comments John Woosey, Managing Director of Golf Care.

“This sort of incident highlights just how dangerous a golf course can be, and a pay-out of £397,000 is a staggering amount,” continued Woosey. 

“The vast majority of golfers aren’t properly covered, and whether you’re a single figure handicapper or a golfing novice, we all hit poor shots. 

“Why take the risk, when for less than £30 a year the liable golfer in this case would have been fully covered; a small fee to pay for peace of mind every time you step onto the course.”

“In many cases golfers think their home insurance will cover them for damage or personal liability, but the truth is that an inexpensive specialist golf insurance policy is the best way to ensure that individual golfers are adequately covered,” added Woosey.

Contact: Visit www.golfcare.co.uk for further details.