General Liability
- Limits from $1,000,000 to $5,000,000
- Occurrence Policy Form
- Coverage For Athletic Participants
- Non Owned And Hired Auto option
- Sex Abuse & Molestation option
Accident
- Medical limits up to $25,000
- Deductible options
- Accidental Death & Dismemberment up to $10,000
Because of golf’s current popularity, owning a driving range can be a lucrative business. A driving range is an attraction for the experienced golfer as well as for those who are trying to improve their game. Because most ranges attract serious golfers, care must be taken to ensure that these golfers have ample opportunity for good swing practice. Golf driving ranges vary in location and construction: some are completely outdoors with natural grass, tee-off stands, and/or divided booths; others are hi-tech indoor facilities with climate-controlled environments and computerized simulators that provide golfers their swing speed and the flight distance of the ball. The usual distance on a golf driving range is from at least 300 yards (for most) to 700 yards. Many facilities have a pro shop for sale of golf equipment and apparel. Driving ranges are usually open seven days a week. Some remain open 24 hours a day, particularly in resort areas.
Some driving ranges are located along major highways and thoroughfares; others are found in heavi
ly populated suburban and rural areas. Many driving ranges also offer putting greens for putting practice. Many have snack areas and rest rooms. A few indoor upscale facilities may also serve alcohol. Equipment includes lawn maintenance machinery, yardage signs, computers (for the hi-def ranges), tee stands, golf balls, rental clubs, golf ball collection machinery, lighting, booths, nets, and sheds.
Golf Driving Range Liability Insurance and Risk Management Considerations
General Liability insurance carriers require the following risk management precautions: proper management and inspection of lighting and electrical supply areas with posted signs to keep out; posted evacuation signs for evacuation procedures (especially around outdoor facilities prone to lightning and hurricanes); signs that discourage left-handed golfers from facing right-handed golfers; routine maintenance and inspection of lawn machinery and netting; first aid kits and CPR training; regular inspection and proper maintenance of mechanical retrievers (especially the cage area where the ball collector sits); and proper training of employees.
While driving range accidents are not common, accidents and resulting lawsuits that may be covered by General Liability can happen. Golfers can be hit by errant golf balls or clubs, players can slip and fall on a wet surface, lightning can strike a golfer, people can trespass into posted areas and get hurt; drivers on the retrievers can get hit by golf balls; a golf ball can break a window in a residential area; and a careless left-handed golfer’s swing can injure a right-handed golfer (and vice versa).
Having Accident and General Liability insurance with sufficient limits offers protection to a golf driving range owner. While General Liability insurance cannot prevent a lawsuit, it can offer coverage in the event that an accident results in a lawsuit.