The wake-up call: Why now was the time for golf insurance
When it comes to insurance policies, cover for our home, car, travel, and life are generally non-negotiable, as they are for most people. Other policies, like mobile phone cover, have always sat firmly in my ‘nice to have’ category, which is exactly where golf insurance used to be, that was until recently.
Like many golfers in their mid-30s (honest!) with young children, visits to the course have been few and far between for the last few years. However, with our daughter getting older and more independent, I’ve found myself with more free time. Naturally, this time has been put to good use – playing more golf.
Instead of sticking to my familiar home course, I’ve been making an effort to venture out to play new courses across Scotland. It’s been great getting to experience so many new courses, but doing so has also brought increased risk. Many of the courses I’ve played have been tightly packed and contain blind holes, making them genuinely challenging and dangerous places to be at times. As someone who has been hit twice by a golf ball, I’m always hyper-vigilant on the golf course, for fear of making it a hat-trick.
The insurance turning point came during a recent round in extremely wild and windy conditions at Kilspindie Golf Club. The winds were fierce, and I came within inches of hitting a group of golfers with my tee shot. My panicked screams of “FORE!” were completely drowned out by the 40 mph winds, as the fourball walked up the next fairway completely oblivious to the impending danger. Thankfully, the golfing gods were on their side (and mine), and the ball missed them by a matter of inches. Looking back, I’m still not convinced they even know how close they came to being hit by my golf ball that day.
That near-miss really made me stop and think. What would have happened had I hit them? Aside from a potentially serious injury, would I have been covered or liable? It was then that I realised I didn’t want to risk the potential financial and legal consequences of a serious golf-related accident anymore. So, for peace of mind, I decided it was time to look into taking out golf insurance.
Finding the right golf insurance cover for me
As always, when making any purchase like this, I did some online research to compare companies, policies, and online reviews. After a short while, I settled on Golf Care, which is one of the UK’s leading golf insurance providers (underwritten by Aviva) and has an impressive 4.6 Trustpilot rating. What I found particularly appealing is that they offer a wide range of cover, meaning that there’s something for every golfer. Whether you’re a casual weekend golfer like me or play regularly at home and abroad, there’s a plan to suit your needs.
To keep things simple, Golf Care uses a four-tiered structure: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. This makes it quick and easy to determine which level of cover you require. Policies are based on a 12-month period and range from £28.05 per year for Bronze cover to £60.68 for Platinum cover, with additional extras also available.
Every policy comes with essential core benefits, including:
- Public Liability cover
- Personal Accident and Dental Treatment cover
- Club Subscription Reimbursement
- Comprehensive Golf Equipment cover
Equipment protection (for theft, loss, and damage) ranges from £1,500 up to £7,500, depending on the tier you choose. Higher tiers like Gold and Platinum also include extra benefits such as personal possessions and golf trophy cover up to £250. While I might not need to worry about the trophy cover just yet, I’m hopeful that the £200 hole-in-one bar bill cover (standard on all policies during a recognised competition) might get called into action one day!
Finally, for those looking for extra protection or to really tailor their policy to their needs, Golf Care offer a range of optional add-ons, including an excess waiver, new-for-old for life cover, and separate golf buggy insurance.
Buying the policy couldn't have been easier
Having carefully reviewed my options and considered my own needs, I decided to proceed with the Platinum cover, opting to add on the excess waiver for a small additional fee. I’ve invested a lot of money in the golf equipment that I use, so the higher level of Golf Equipment cover offered by the Premium policy definitely appealed to me.
One of the main reasons I am writing this positive Golf Care Insurance review is that the buying process was one of the most hassle-free purchases I’ve ever made. The entire process took less than 5 minutes from start to finish. I received the confirmation email and policy documents almost immediately via email, and I can manage everything easily from within my own online account.
For less than the cost of two coffees each month, I now have complete peace of mind whilst playing golf, knowing that I’m covered should anything happen to myself, others, or my equipment. Also, should I somehow miraculously make a hole-in-one during a competition, my fellow members will be able to enjoy a tipple or two on me, and I won’t even have to foot the bar bill.
Finally, as if that wasn’t enough, as a welcome gift for taking out the policy, I also received six brand-new Titleist PRO V1 golf balls and three free green fee vouchers that can be used at one of 30+ golf courses across the UK.
If, after reading this Golf Care insurance review, you’re interested in exploring Golf Care’s range of policies, visit their website using my exclusive referral link below*. This link will give you an extra 30% off, and you’ll also receive the six brand-new Titleist PRO V1 golf balls and three free green fee vouchers too.
Golf Care: 30% Off Insurance + Free Green Fees & Balls
This Golf Care discount code will not only save you 30% on all golf insurance policies, but will also get you six free Titleist PRO V1 golf balls and three free rounds of golf worth up to £340. Available for use on all products, worldwide. No expiry date. If this code doesn’t work, please let me know.
