Why Every Golf Club Needs Members and Visitors Insurance

Running a golf club is about more than manicured fairways and smooth tee sheets — it’s about safeguarding your members, visitors, and reputation. One of the smartest ways to do this is by taking out golf club members and visitors insurance.

This specialist cover ensures that anyone playing on your course — whether a long-standing member or a first-time visitor — is protected if something goes wrong. For golf club managers, secretaries, or CRM managers, it’s a vital layer of protection that reduces risk and builds trust.

Why Golf Club Members and Visitors Insurance Matters

Golf is a sport enjoyed by millions, but like any physical activity, it carries risks. From slips and trips around the clubhouse to injuries on the course, accidents can happen at any time. Even property damage — such as a wayward golf ball hitting a car or nearby property — can lead to expensive claims.

Without the right cover in place, a single incident could cause financial strain for your club and damage your reputation. By insuring both golf club members and visitors, you ensure that:

• Everyone who plays is protected - Whether it’s a regular member, a visiting society, or a casual green-fee player.
• Peace of mind for managers - You can focus on running your club smoothly, knowing that unexpected incidents are covered.
• Stronger reputation - Visitors will feel reassured knowing your club prioritises their safety.
• Financial security - Avoid costly payouts or legal disputes by having the right insurance in place.
  

“Aren’t All Golf Clubs in England Already Covered?”

Since 1 July 2019, every member of an England Golf affiliated golf club has automatically received £10m public liability insurance as part of their affiliation. Working alongside Marsh Sport, England Golf provides members with cover if they are found negligent for causing injury to another person or damage to third-party property while playing or practising golf anywhere in the UK, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man.

• There is no excess for personal injury claims.
• There is a £500 excess for property damage claims.

This offers peace of mind for individual members - but it has limitations. Crucially, it does not cover visitors to your club, and it lacks many of the additional protections that make a real difference when incidents occur.

The Rise of Flexible Golf Memberships – and the Risk Gap for Clubs

Golf is changing. More and more players are choosing flexible membership schemes such as those offered by PlayMoreGolf or opting for pay-as-you-play green fees, rather than committing to a traditional annual membership.

While this shift makes the game more accessible, it also creates a serious insurance gap.

Because only fully affiliated members of England Golf clubs are automatically provided with £10m public liability cover, these new categories of players are not included under the national scheme. That means:

• Flexible members may not be covered if they cause injury or damage.
• Casual visitors and society golfers are entirely uninsured under England Golf’s protection.
• Clubs could be left exposed to claims and legal costs if incidents occur involving non-affiliated golfers.

With visitor and flexible membership golf on the rise, it’s more important than ever that clubs take out specialist insurance to protect everyone who plays on their course. By doing so, you not only reduce risk but also show responsibility and professionalism to every guest who steps onto your fairways.

How Rubber Ring Insurance Goes Further

At Rubber Ring Insurance, we’ve designed a policy that goes above and beyond the England Golf scheme, giving golf clubs a simple way to protect everyone who plays - both members and visitors - under one competitive policy.

England Golf Scheme vs Rubber Ring Insurance

In short, while the England Golf scheme provides a solid foundation of liability insurance for members, Rubber Ring’s golf club members and visitors insurance delivers complete protection that meets the real-world needs of modern clubs.

A Smarter Way to Manage Insurance Costs

Another key benefit of choosing a Rubber Ring Members & Visitors Policy is the potential to save money on your club’s overall insurance premiums. By separating out members and visitors cover from your main golf club buildings and contents policy, you avoid duplicating cover and may well reduce your total insurance spend. For many clubs, this approach works out cheaper overall while still providing superior protection for everyone who plays.

Protect Your Club, Protect Your Players

Offering golf club members and visitors insurance isn’t just about ticking a compliance box - it’s about safeguarding your club’s future, reputation, and community. In today’s world, members and visitors expect reassurance that their wellbeing is taken seriously.

With the right cover in place, your club can welcome players with confidence, knowing you’re protected against the unexpected.

👉 Learn more about how Rubber Ring’s Golf Club Insurance can protect your members, visitors, and your club today.