Golf Australia announces ‘important changes’ to Player’s Personal Liability Insurance – Australian Golf Digest

by Admin
December 20, 2024

Golfers across Australia, take note: significant updates are coming to your Player’s Personal Liability Insurance Policy.

This policy, a vital benefit for members of Golf Australia-affiliated facilities, will undergo changes starting March 1, 2025, to ensure its sustainability amidst rising costs and an increase in claims.

Damien de Bohun, Golf Australia’s General Manager of Club, Facilities, and Places to Play, explained the adjustments: “Since its introduction in 2009, this policy has provided peace of mind for countless golfers, covering up to $20 million in personal liability for incidents occurring during play or practice. Over the past five years alone, we’ve paid out $3.4 million in claims. However, the rising popularity of golf has brought more incidents, making it increasingly challenging to maintain this coverage at its current terms. These updates are essential to keeping the policy affordable while prioritising protection against serious personal injuries.”

Why was the policy introduced?

The origins of the Player’s Personal Liability Insurance Policy trace back to a pivotal court ruling in 2003. The case stemmed from an incident at Magnetic Island Golf Club in 1994, where a golfer’s injury led to legal action. Recognising the need to protect golfers from potential liability, Golf Australia introduced this comprehensive policy, providing a safety net against litigation for third-party injury or property damage.

What does the policy cover?

The policy offers legal liability protection for affiliated club members while playing or practising golf. With coverage up to $20 million per incident, it safeguards golfers against accidental injury or property damage they may cause. However, the policy does not cover:

Damage or injury caused by non-members (e.g., green fee players).
A member’s own equipment or personal injuries sustained on the course.
Damage to carts owned, hired, or borrowed by members.
Actions deemed deliberate or wilful misconduct.

Key changes effective March 1, 2025

Exclusions: The updated policy introduces specific exclusions for claims involving third-party property damage to:

Golf carts.
Personal electronic devices such as phones, iPads, watches, rangefinders, and similar items.

Excess: Three categories of claims will now determine whether an excess applies:

Personal injury claims: No excess payable.
Property damage with adherence to duty of care, local rules, and the Rules of Golf: No excess payable.
Property damage due to negligence: $1,000 excess payable.

Why these changes?

“Golf Australia is committed to protecting our members while ensuring the policy remains financially viable,” said de Bohun. “We have carefully reviewed several options and believe these changes strike the right balance between maintaining essential coverage and addressing the rising cost of claims.”

What should members do?

This coverage is automatically included for individual club members, though its use in an incident is optional. If you have questions about how these updates affect you, contact Golf Australia via [email protected] or visit golf.com.au for further details.