As golfers we all run the risk of being struck by a stray golf ball whenever we step onto the golf course. We also run the risk of being the player who hits a shot that strikes another golfer. While most incidences of this nature would simply result in a ticking off or a long hard stare there is always the possibility of causing serious damage to another person. The chances are slight but the consequences can be great; as Anthony Phee found out to his cost upon being struck while playing a round of golf at Niddry Castle Golf Club, Winchburgh, West Lothian.

While walking between holes Mr Phee heard a call of fore from the 18^th tee and promptly ducked and covered his head. Unfortunately for the club golfer from Manchester this course of action didn’t prevent the ball from striking him in the eye which “exploded” on impact. Mr Phee, who now has a prosthetic eye and thus restricted sight, sued both the player who struck the shot and the golf course owner.

A judge ruled that James Gordon, the golfer who hit the tee shot, was 70% liable and the golf club was 30% liable. Damages of £400,000 were awarded to Mr Phee which, needless to say, would leave a considerable dent in many of our bank balances!

Although as golfers we all must realise that there is a chance we may be struck by a ball at some time or another, we do live in society where litigation is becoming increasingly prevalent. Many golfers simply shrug their shoulders at the idea of golf insurance but cases like this highlight just how important such policies may be.

John Woosey, Managing Director of Golf Care, the UK’s largest golf insurer commented;

“We live in an increasingly litigious society and claims like this are becoming far more frequent. Here at Golf Care we’ve been shouting about the dangers and implications of mishit shots for quite some time and the importance of being properly insured against a disaster such as this. Whether you’re a single figure handicapper or a golfing novice, we all hit poor shots. I’m sorry but why take the risk when for less than £30 per year you can be covered. It simply doesn’t make sense to take to the course without the protection of a specialist golf insurance policy.”

Buy a Golf Care Specialist Golf Insurance TODAY and give yourself total peace of mind on the golf course. Without it your next wayward shot may end up costing you £400,000!

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