At Keslar Insurance, we’re always thinking about how to protect golf courses and country clubs through insurance — not just from the obvious hazards, but from the unexpected. A recent real-world example here in New Hampshire shows why that matters.

According to Foster’s Daily Democrat, an electric SUV recently crashed through a fence and onto the pool deck at Wentworth By The Sea Country Club. Six people were injured, outdoor structures were destroyed, and damage estimates reached $100,000 — and that’s before considering potential lawsuits, lost business, or what could have happened if the vehicle had entered the water.
The incident serves as a reminder: country clubs and golf courses have unique insurance exposures that go far beyond tee boxes and fairways.
Key Risks You Might Not Be Thinking About
1. Vehicular Accidents on Club Property
Cars don’t just stay in the parking lot. Whether it’s a member, guest, or vendor, an accidental acceleration can cause injuries, property damage, and liability claims in unexpected areas — from pool decks to event lawns.
2. Outdoor Structures and Amenities
Pergolas, fences, pool furniture, and decorative elements often fall into “other structures” coverage, which can be undervalued or have lower limits than main buildings.
3. EV-Specific Hazards
Electric vehicles bring new concerns, especially near water. An EV battery in a pool can create electrical hazards, chemical risks, and costly environmental clean-up — something not all standard policies address.
4. Business Interruption from Partial Closures
Shutting down a pool, dining terrace, or event space during peak season can mean significant lost revenue. The right business income coverage can help protect cash flow during repairs.
5. Complex Guest and Member Liabilities
Different relationships — member, guest, or outside event attendee — can change how liability is assigned and how insurance responds. Waivers, contracts, and coverage need to be aligned.
Why This Matters for Your Club
Even the most well-run clubs can experience unpredictable events. Reviewing your coverage for these “outside-the-ordinary” risks is key to avoiding large uncovered losses.
We work with golf courses and country clubs to anticipate the unexpected — and to structure insurance programs that keep operations protected, members safe, and reputations intact.
If you manage a course or club, ask yourself:
- Are all outdoor structures insured at full replacement value?
- Does your liability coverage consider unique risks like EV accidents or partial facility closures?
- Are your waivers and contracts coordinated with your insurance program?
These aren’t just “what ifs” — as the Rye incident shows, they happen. Being prepared is what separates a minor disruption from a major crisis.
Keslar Insurance specializes in helping golf courses and country clubs protect against the risks they see every day — and the ones they never saw coming. Let’s review your coverage before the next unexpected headline.