Considering Taking Up Golf

rockatansky

Hi

I'm considering taking up golf in the near future. I don't want to join a club immediately, for the first 6 months I just want to play Public Pay and Play courses to see how much I enjoy the game.

Considering the recent court ruling / large compensation awarded, should I have golf insurance before I set foot anywhere near a course? Is it possible to get insurance and not be a member of a club or GUI?

I've been out twice already in the past few weeks and I was sending many of my drives far to the right. In some cases the ball has landed on the fairway running parallel to the hole I'm playing. Before reading about the court case I would have thought nothing of it however now I thinking that a stray shot could end up with me being taken to the cleaners and maybe its best to try another sport!

I think a large part of that ruling was the failure to shout fore. Also, there's probably a difference between sitting at a clubhouse where the woman was, and actually being out on the course, where you have to accept balls will be flying about. Tens of thousands (or more) of people are out playing golf in Ireland every single week, the case seems to be a complete one-off. Don't let it put you off playing if it's something you want to do.

For starting out by the way I'd go to the driving range and get a lesson or two, will set you off on the right directing and it's impossible to hit anyone!

digginz

Your concern should be to not injured anyone...

rockatansky

Brinley Thoughtless Slipknot wrote: »

I think a large part of that ruling was the failure to shout fore. Also, there's probably a difference between sitting at a clubhouse where the woman was, and actually being out on the course, where you have to accept balls will be flying about. Tens of thousands (or more) of people are out playing golf in Ireland every single week, the case seems to be a complete one-off. Don't let it put you off playing if it's something you want to do.

For starting out by the way I'd go to the driving range and get a lesson or two, will set you off on the right directing and it's impossible to hit anyone!

Thanks for the reply. To be honest judging by posts on the other thread and speaking to other golfers there seems to be some confusion about the rights and wrongs of the case.

I suppose my question is that should somebody who is starting out golf and not a club / GUI Member have insurance before playing?

cairny

Another way (in my view more correct) way of interpreting that decision is if you shout a warning you should not be liable (unless you are grossly careless such as hitting on to a Par 3 while people still on the green etc).

There is specific golfer insurance you can get , you might remember Tony Jackiln advertising it)

However if you have a house insurance policy you'd probably be covered under the Personal Liability section. I think there's similar cover in Renters / Contents insurance policy. Dig out any policy you have and have a check.

Shout fore if you think there's a chance of hitting anyone, err on the side of caution and all should be well. Golf is only very moderately dangerous if we all act reasonably.

SaveOurLyric

digginz wrote: »

Your concern should be to not injured anyone...

It can be assumed that everyone's concern is not to injure anyone. But while we may have accepted in the past that it was case of, while hope for the best, if you get hit, then bad luck. Now it seems not only are you at risk of being hit, you are the risk of being in serious dodo if you hit someone else. The risk has unpleasantly doubled.