The new coverage offers specialized insurance to protect against unique golf course risks such as golf and tennis pro professional liability; trees, shrubs, and plant coverage; and more.
PRODUCT: Golf Course Insurance
COMPANIES: Sentry Insurance Company and Middlesex Insurance Company.
BEST RATING: A+
AVAILABILITY: Appointed agents and brokers only.
FOCUS: Sentry has long been involved in golf, owning its own course, SentryWorld in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, since 1982 and sponsoring a PGA tournament in Maui, Hawaii, since 2018. With Sentry's deep ties to the game of golf, it's only logical that one of the largest and most financially secure mutual insurance groups in the U.S. also insures courses.
“We've come to realize how well the game of golf aligns with our values as well as with our commercial lines businesses," said Pete McPartland, chairman, president and CEO, Sentry Insurance. “In addition to owning and operating our own world-class course, we've invested heavily in golf. Offering golf course insurance is a natural extension of our involvement in the game."
COVERAGE DETAILS: Any damage to a golf course's property could set the business back months and alter the qualities that make their course unique. “We developed our property coverages with those unique risks in mind," says Mike Schimke, chief underwriting officer, Sentry Insurance.
In addition to standard commercial coverages, Sentry will offer specialized insurance to protect against unique golf course risks. Coverage options will include liquor liability; golf and tennis pro professional liability; trees, shrubs, and plant coverage; pesticide, herbicide, and fertilizer applicator coverage; business income, including extra expense; cyber liability; and equipment breakdown.
“In some cases, a course may have a defining characteristic on their property, and we've built customizable options that will allow them to schedule a specific tree or plant unique to their course," Schimke adds. “Our property coverages will also offer protection for facilities and clubhouses, the personal property of guests, and damages caused by errant golf balls."
UNDERWRITING: Standard ACORD application, a supplemental golf application and three to five years of prior carrier loss runs are required to quote.
TARGET: Public, semi-private and country club courses consisting of 18 holes or more. Sentry's appetite is primarily focused on golf courses with a minimum of $15,000 in premium.
COVERAGE AVAILABILITY: All states except Florida, New York and Hawaii.
CONTACT: Chad O'Neil, market development manager, Sentry Insurance; 1501 North Point Dr, Stevens Point, WI 54481; 715-572-6724.
Will Jones is IA editor-in-chief.
