Tips for new golfers as ‘Open fever’ grips NI

With the 153rd Open Championship now in full swing, new players have been reminded that specialist golf insurance can help keep them protected out on the green.

The return of the championship to Royal Portrush this week will shine a global spotlight on Northern Ireland as a world-class golf destination, encouraging people of all ages to pick up a club for the first time.

Northern Ireland is famous for stunning championship courses – including the world-renowned Royal County Down, the challenging Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush and the dramatic Strand Course at Portstewart Golf Club – making it a hotspot for young golfing talent aiming to follow in the footsteps of homegrown stars like Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke, Graeme McDowell and Fred Daly.

Golf has seemingly been going through a transformation of late. Celebrity and influencer endorsements, the emergence of luxury golf resorts, and the rise in popularity of trendy apparel and fashion, are all contributing to the more modern image of the sport.

Some 4.9 million adults across the UK and Ireland are currently playing full or short course golf. This equates to 9% of the adult population.

Whilst these numbers are high, a lot of casual players and beginners may not realise that golf insurance can be a worthwhile way to cover themselves if anything were to go wrong on the course.

Insurance experts from CompareNI.com are reminding new players that policies can cover equipment damage, public liability, personal accidents, third-party property damage and even hole-in-one cover.

Ian Wilson, Managing Director of CompareNI.com said: “Golf’s popularity continues to grow with a significant increase in the number of people playing the sport. The popularity of golf locally will no doubt be boosted even further with the return of the Open Championship to Royal Portrush.

“Although it’s not required by law, golf insurance can provide peace of mind for those trying to relax and play the sport, especially for beginners.

“Accidents can happen, and you don’t want to be in a situation where one of your wayward shots causes an injury. Most insurance should include public liability for this scenario.

“Equipment can also be expensive and regular home insurance cover may not suffice, especially if any damage or theft takes place away from the home.

“You might also think you’ll never hit a hole-in-one, but a lot of insurance cover actually includes hole-in-one cover just in case. It’s an unofficial tradition in golf to buy everyone a round of drinks after hitting a hole-in-one, especially in tournaments and events, so it’s an extra bit of protection if you’re ever stuck with a large bar bill.”

CompareNI.com help people living in Northern Ireland compare and find savings on all sorts of insurance and personal finance products, such as golf, home and motorhome insurance. 

References:
*https://www.ipsos.com/sites/default/files/ct/news/documents/2023-10/golf-for-all-2023-pga-ipsos.pdf