Running a golf course means managing more than just fairways and greens. You’re operating a complex business that blends hospitality, athletics, event hosting, food service, retail, and property maintenance—all of which come with risk. At Keslar Insurance, we build customized insurance solutions for golf courses and country clubs across New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts to keep your operations protected and running smoothly.
Comprehensive Insurance for Golf Courses and Country Clubs
Golf courses face a unique mix of liability, property, and operational risks. Whether you’re a seasonal 9-hole course or a year-round country club with dining, carts, and events, your coverage needs to account for all aspects of your business—not just the obvious ones.
Key Coverages for Golf Courses:
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General Liability – Covers guest injuries, property damage, and accidents across your grounds, clubhouse, or pro shop.
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Commercial Property – Protects your clubhouse, maintenance buildings, carts, equipment, signage, and course-related structures.
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Liquor Liability – Required if you serve alcohol in your clubhouse, bar, or during events.
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Workers’ Compensation – Required by law for employees; covers groundskeepers, pro shop staff, kitchen workers, and seasonal hires.
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Commercial Auto – For vehicles used by grounds crews, deliveries, or course operations.
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Equipment Breakdown – Covers major systems like irrigation pumps, refrigeration units, HVAC systems, and kitchen appliances.
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Inland Marine (Golf Carts & Equipment) – Protects mobile property like carts, mowers, and aerators—on or off-site.
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Event Liability / Special Events Coverage – Covers weddings, tournaments, and private functions hosted on your property.
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Cyber Liability – Important if you take tee time reservations or payments online.
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Business Interruption – Helps recover lost income if you have to shut down due to a covered loss.
We Work with Golf Course Operators Who Know the Business Is More Than Just Golf
From municipal courses to privately owned clubs with restaurants and retail shops, we understand how layered your business really is—and how costly a single uncovered incident can be.
- Licensed in NH, ME, and MA
- Fast turnaround on Certificates for vendors, tournaments, and weddings
- Protection for seasonal operations and employee fluctuations
- Access to carriers that specialize in hospitality and recreation risks
- Clear, experienced guidance without overcomplication
FAQs: Insurance for Golf Courses
1. What types of insurance does a golf course need?
At minimum:
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General Liability
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Commercial Property
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Workers’ Compensation
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Liquor Liability (if applicable)
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Inland Marine for carts and equipment
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Business Interruption
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Optional: Cyber Liability, Event Liability, Equipment Breakdown
2. What if a golfer is injured on the course—are we liable?
You could be. General Liability helps protect your course if a guest is injured due to course conditions, equipment, or staff actions—even if the injury results from their own actions.
3. What is Inland Marine coverage and why do we need it?
It protects movable equipment, such as mowers, carts, sprayers, and utility vehicles—especially those stored or used across multiple areas of the property or transported off-site for maintenance.
4. Is liquor liability required if we only serve drinks at the bar or during events?
Yes. If your business serves or sells alcohol, Liquor Liability coverage is essential. It protects your club from legal claims if someone causes harm after being served on your premises.
5. What if lightning damages our irrigation system?
Equipment Breakdown or Property coverage—if properly structured—can help pay for repairs or replacement. Not all policies automatically include high-value irrigation or electrical systems.
6. How do we cover golf tournaments, weddings, or corporate outings?
You can include Event Liability as part of your policy or add it as needed. This coverage protects you from injury, property damage, or liquor-related claims that occur during hosted events.
7. Is my seasonal staff covered under Workers’ Comp?
Yes. In NH, ME, and MA, seasonal and part-time employees must be covered under Workers’ Compensation if they’re on payroll.
8. What if a cart is stolen or vandalized?
If you have Inland Marine coverage, it will cover theft, damage, or vandalism to golf carts—whether in storage, in transit, or in use.
9. Do I need Cyber Liability if I only take online reservations?
Yes. If you collect member data, credit card payments, or online bookings, Cyber Liability helps cover the costs of breaches, ransomware, or fraudulent activity—even if it’s caused by third-party vendors.
10. What’s the difference between General Liability and Event Liability?
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General Liability covers your day-to-day operations.
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Event Liability covers specific private functions where liability increases (alcohol, crowds, temporary setups, etc.).
11. What if we lease our clubhouse space to a third-party restaurant or caterer?
You’ll want them to carry their own liability insurance and list your course as an additional insured. We can help you set up contract and coverage requirements.
12. How can we keep insurance costs reasonable?
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Bundle policies with a specialty carrier
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Maintain strong risk management procedures
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Train seasonal staff thoroughly
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Document maintenance of grounds and equipment
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Review your coverage annually, especially after expansions or new services
Let’s Build a Coverage Plan as Tailored as Your Greens
Don’t wait until something happens to find out where your coverage falls short. Whether you’re hosting tournaments, serving brunch, or mowing fairways—we’ll help make sure you’re protected.
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