Fit for Golf

Like most sports, golf is very physical and it’s well known that golf puts a lot of stress on the body. Your body has to be fit to play at your best and by doing some easy golf exercises, you will bring benefits into your game. Medical experts have advised that getting fit for the game of golf will increase endurance, boost strength and flexibility – vital for improving your swing and will also have an impact on your overall enjoyment of the game.

The effects of not properly exercising or warming up before a round of golf is shown time and time again through common complaints such as a sore lower back or shoulder after playing. Other symptoms can be pain in your muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints. The list of injuries from swinging a club is huge. By not warming up properly and preparing your muscles before a round may cause a nagging injury.

When putting and swinging you need to maintain a particular body position which is difficult to hold unless you have strength. Golfers can suffer from aching lower backs after only 10 mins because their muscles are weak. The solution is exercise and increasing your fitness and then you should be able to practice for about an hour and not feel any pain.

Remember - golf causes injuries to bodies that are not properly warmed up so limber up and start your fitness programme and you should also improve your game too.

Golf and flexibility go hand in hand. If your muscles are tight and not flexible you, will have reduced range of motion and a short swing. Pro golfers have amazing range which is down to their increased flexibility in their shoulders, torso, and hips. With a bit of extra skill thrown in of course!

There are plenty of exercise plans you can try, go online or why not pop in and see your golf professional or gym trainer for advice.

For comprehensive golf insurance view Golfplan’s range of PGA Recommended policies here

Fit for Golf

Like most sports, golf is very physical and it’s well known that golf puts a lot of stress on the body. Your body has to be fit to play at your best and by doing some easy golf exercises, you will bring benefits into your game. Medical experts have advised that getting fit for the game of golf will increase endurance, boost strength and flexibility – vital for improving your swing and will also have an impact on your overall enjoyment of the game.

The effects of not properly exercising or warming up before a round of golf is shown time and time again through common complaints such as a sore lower back or shoulder after playing. Other symptoms can be pain in your muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints. The list of injuries from swinging a club is huge. By not warming up properly and preparing your muscles before a round may cause a nagging injury.

When putting and swinging you need to maintain a particular body position which is difficult to hold unless you have strength. Golfers can suffer from aching lower backs after only 10 mins because their muscles are weak. The solution is exercise and increasing your fitness and then you should be able to practice for about an hour and not feel any pain.

Remember - golf causes injuries to bodies that are not properly warmed up so limber up and start your fitness programme and you should also improve your game too.

Golf and flexibility go hand in hand. If your muscles are tight and not flexible you, will have reduced range of motion and a short swing. Pro golfers have amazing range which is down to their increased flexibility in their shoulders, torso, and hips. With a bit of extra skill thrown in of course!

There are plenty of exercise plans you can try, go online or why not pop in and see your golf professional or gym trainer for advice.

For comprehensive golf insurance view Golfplan’s range of PGA Recommended policies here

Golf Insurance – An Essential Part of your Kit?

As a golfer, you are faced with choices and decisions at every hole you play. You will already have made some decisions on your choice of equipment – your irons, a particular putter, your favourite driver and undoubtedly a comfortable pair of shoes. Depending on your ability and experience, you will favour some brands over others and will mix and match your combinations of equipment to suit your style of play and ability.

Rain suits are essential and electric trolleys are being encouraged by many to take the strain and help avoid injury – but all of this specialist equipment comes at a price. It is estimated that your average golfer is carrying in excess of £2,000 of equipment – but what happens if you lose some of your equipment, or worse still, the whole lot courtesy of an opportunist thief?

Depending on the circumstances of your loss, you may think…or hope…that your household policy will cover you. In most situations this is not the case and even if you had specified it an individual golf insurance policy will offer you more protection than just theft of equipment.

Apart from protecting you from theft, a decent golf insurance policy should also include the following:

 A minimum of £5 million of public liability cover
 New for old cover – regardless of the age of your equipment
 24 hour theft from car cover
 Worldwide cover if you’re planning a golfing break overseas
 Golf club membership fees covered in the event of illness or accident – on or off the course

The next time you go through your equipment checklist, think about protecting yourself from these risks if you haven’t already done so.

Golfplan is recommended by the PGA and has ben taking of UK golfers for more than 27 years. Compare our policies with our competitors here, you will find fewer restrictions with Golfplan when compared with cheaper providers who are able to offer cheaper premiums by restricting cover. Always check the smallprint before committing to a policy and ask any provider specific questions to ensure you understand what you’re buying.

Check out our market leading cover and policy options here

Golf Insurance – An Essential Part of your Kit?

As a golfer, you are faced with choices and decisions at every hole you play. You will already have made some decisions on your choice of equipment – your irons, a particular putter, your favourite driver and undoubtedly a comfortable pair of shoes. Depending on your ability and experience, you will favour some brands over others and will mix and match your combinations of equipment to suit your style of play and ability.

Rain suits are essential and electric trolleys are being encouraged by many to take the strain and help avoid injury – but all of this specialist equipment comes at a price. It is estimated that your average golfer is carrying in excess of £2,000 of equipment – but what happens if you lose some of your equipment, or worse still, the whole lot courtesy of an opportunist thief?

Depending on the circumstances of your loss, you may think…or hope…that your household policy will cover you. In most situations this is not the case and even if you had specified it an individual golf insurance policy will offer you more protection than just theft of equipment.

Apart from protecting you from theft, a decent golf insurance policy should also include the following:

 A minimum of £5 million of public liability cover
 New for old cover – regardless of the age of your equipment
 24 hour theft from car cover
 Worldwide cover if you’re planning a golfing break overseas
 Golf club membership fees covered in the event of illness or accident – on or off the course

The next time you go through your equipment checklist, think about protecting yourself from these risks if you haven’t already done so.

Golfplan is recommended by the PGA and has ben taking of UK golfers for more than 27 years. Compare our policies with our competitors here, you will find fewer restrictions with Golfplan when compared with cheaper providers who are able to offer cheaper premiums by restricting cover. Always check the smallprint before committing to a policy and ask any provider specific questions to ensure you understand what you’re buying.

Check out our market leading cover and policy options here

Don't Drive off Without It!

Golf buggies have become more popular with golfers in recent years. One of the main reasons for this is that people are more health conscious, living longer and want to stay active. This trend has seen sales of personal golf buggies increase substantially as individual golfers opt for their own buggy to get around the course. This increase in demand for golf buggies is matched by golf clubs making special provision for them and their owners, with many offering on-site storage areas and improved course access.

Just like all vehicles, the use and ownership of a golf buggy should be given due care and attention. There are many dangers that golf buggies face on the golf course that otherwise may not seem obvious. With golf buggies travelling up to 25mph the risk of danger is increased. Your expensive buggy could be seriously damaged in the blink of an eye. You could be facing large repair or replacement costs or even legal fees should you end up with a personal liability claim which could run into thousands of pounds. Unfortunately accidents on the golf course are common, only last year a golfer was killed in the UK when their partner’s buggy they were riding in overturned. For these reasons golf clubs are now stipulating that all golfers must have a minimum cover of public liability when driving their golf buggy on the course.

Golfplan Insurance, the recommended golf insurance supplier of the PGA, has over 25 years experience of providing the most comprehensive golf insurance on the market and includes £5 million public liability cover as standard with every policy.
“There are potential hazards on the golf course that golfers may encounter when driving their golf buggy. Public Liability claims are becoming more common, and it is important that golfers are properly covered for these unfortunate events.
In the event of vandalism or accidental damage we will pay the cost of repair, or if beyond repair, replace it with a brand new golf buggy of similar make and model.” Simon Seward Commercial Director.

Golfplan’s New for Old policy can replace your golf buggy with a brand new one if it is beyond repair. Should the worst happen you will have up to £5 million Personal Liability cover which is incorporated into all Golfplan policies as well as other benefits including 24 hour theft from car cover, accidental property damage, club membership fees are paid in the event of illness or accident on or off the course and for those Hole in One. All Golfplan policies also come with 120 days worldwide cover leaving you with total peace of mind on whichever golf course you choose to play.

Get Fit with Golf

After getting carried away with the festive spirit, most of us will notice a tighter waist band and will be thinking ‘New Year resolution? - Time to get fit’, but don’t fancy the prospect of working out in a stuffy gym for hours so the resolution is never actioned. So what’s the solution? Shrug our shoulders and eat another mince pie? Or better still why not try something different.....how about golf?

You may not realise how active a game of golf is, if you think it’s just a game for old men in golf buggies think again. Cue Paul Casey or Tiger Woodsl. Beginners may be surprised by the physical strain of simply completing the course but if you’re up for the challenge you'll find that as you develop your game you’ll feel fitter and happier with all those endorphins that will be released. So get off that sofa, kick off those slippers and put on some golf shoes, the more comfortable the better as your poor old feet are going to need them with all the walking you'll be doing. Most golf pro’s will be able to advise.

Golf is a great cardio workout as there is a lot of walking involved. Most 18 hole courses are usually between four and five miles long, where there can even be a little climbing up hills! A great type of exercise which goes easy on your joints but is also great at building strength in your muscles and burning off all those extra little calories, you will also at regular intervals be pulling a trolley or be carrying the extra weight of your golf bag.
With all that time you'll be spending walking and waiting at holes there will be plenty of time to chat to your golfing partners or even getting to know new and different people. If you’re a beginner however and don’t like the thought of that quiet competitiveness between you and your friends then there is no problem in going it alone, until you’re confident enough to show off that perfect swing of yours.

As golf is quite a slow game, you’ll benefit from the relaxing scenery and if you’re spending all that time outside although we can’t always guarantee the weather. Many courses allow non-members to play so you don’t need to worry about the expense of membership fees.

After a while you’ll start to notice improvements in muscle tone and posture that come from all those repetitions of strokes needed to complete a round. What better excuse for a bad round than telling your playing partners that you were taking those extra shots because they would improve your muscles.
Golf will not only benefit you physically but mentally too, you may find yourself in certain situations when playing a round that will need your careful judgement when deciding the best course of action.
A great game that offers an all-round workout, so what are you waiting for?

Risky Business

Golf Insurance – Stepping onto the golf course is risky business

Golfers who rely on a cry of Fore! to warn of miss-timed shots still carry the risk of claims against them if they hit someone. But this is nothing new…..in 1998 The Court of Appeal ruled that ‘Golfers are liable for shots that cause injury, no matter how slight the risk’. Since this ruling, personal liability claims against golfers have significantly increased - further fuelled by a ‘compensation culture’ and people who are much more likely to prosecute if they find themselves on the wrong end of a badly sliced shot.

The importance of having the right cover is further underlined by the scale of the risk golfers are facing. This year it is estimated that there will be more than 12,500 golf injuries that require hospital treatment, and with around one in ten golfers having adequate golf insurance there are literally hundreds of thousands of golfers playing at risk

The dangers on the golf course are clear to all and every golfer will have a tale to tell of a near miss…or worse. Some have been even unluckier with recorded evidence of eyesight loss, dental reconstruction, broken noses, jaws, ribs and so on. These kinds of personal liability claims can run into thousands of pounds with the advice to amateur golfers a resounding ‘get protected’. Cover won’t stop an incident happening, but it will protect you from big compensation payouts.

Golf insurance specialists have responded to this demand from golfers with some very competitive, expertly packaged policies which also take into account other essential benefits like theft, loss and damage of golf equipment, personal accident and third-party property damage. Cover also extends to reimbursement of membership fees when unable to play, personal effects and hole-in-ones (lucky and not so lucky when it comes to facing a packed clubhouse bar!). But like any other kind of insurance it’s important to make comparisons, read the small print and make sure you get the right level of cover to suit your requirements.

Verdict: This issue won’t go away and golfers need to be mindful of their duty of care to others whilst on a golf course. Do your homework and buy a policy which will give you peace of mind every time you tee off.

365 ways to love your golfer this Christmas!

Wondering what to buy the golfer in your family this Christmas?

….You want to do better than a tin of tees and a pair of socks right?!

Well here’s the answer: An Annual Golf Insurance Policy from Golfplan, the perfect gift for every golfer this Christmas.

Golfplan is the original golf insurance specialist with 25 years experience of providing great cover for UK golfers. Our policyholders benefit from a unique package of essential insurance benefits including public liability cover, 24 hour theft from car cover and new for old equipment replacement regardless of its age. Golfplan’s policies are also recommended by the PGA.

Here is a summary of our essential benefits:

 New for old cover regardless of the age of the equipment as standard
 £5m personal liability cover comes as standard on all policies
 24 hour theft from car cover as standard
 120 days worldwide cover as standard on all our policies
 Golf club membership fees covered in the event of illness or accident on or off the course
 PGA Recommended policies with equipment replaced by a PGA Club Professional
 £2m worldwide cover for accidental property damage
 No excess on total loss claims
 Buggy cover also available or may be combined with your golf equipment on one policy
Golfplan’s Christmas Voucher Giftpacks containing vouchers and an exclusive scorecard holder can be purchase online or over the phone. Vouchers are available in denominations or £25 & £50

Golf Goes Olympic!

Golf was once an event in the 1900 Olympics in Paris and played again in 1904 on the course in and around St. Louis before being dropped. After a gap of 112 years, golf will make a sensational return to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro .

The vote was a reversal of the International Olympic Committees decision four years ago to reject golf and rugby for the 2012 Olympics, bringing the number of Olympic sports back to the maximum 28 for 2016.

Golf was reinstated for the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games after the IOC assembly made the final vote for golf and rugby to be included as Olympic sports in Copenhagen back in October 2009. They are the first sports added since triathlon and taekwondo joined the programme for the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Sergio Garcia said " To be able to be a part of the Olympics will be something unbelievable."

One of the main concerns had been whether top players would compete in the Olympics but The International Golf Federation has promised that the world's best will be there. The event will consist of a 72-hole stroke-play tournament with 60 players in both the men and women's competitions. One of golf’s biggest talents, Tiger Woods, has indicated he would play and welcomed the return of golf to the games and added "It's a perfect fit for the Olympics, and I think we're all looking forward to golf getting in the Olympics."

Now that golf has been included in the Olympics, the game should see even more growth. Many countries will see the opportunity to invest in golf in advance of 2016 giving hope to more younger players such as 16-year-old Italian Matteo Manassero - the youngest ever winner of the British Amateur title - to realise their Olympic dream. This thought was backed up by British Olympic chief Andy Hunt. "We currently have a wealth of talented British male and female players moving through (golf's) amateur ranks and are very excited at the prospect of what these young athletes could achieve at Olympic level.”

Jack Nicklaus said “Now the sport I have always called the greatest game of all can be shared with the rest of the world on the greatest stage in sports."

Buggy Mania

Colin Montgomerie picked up some admiring glances last week when he was presented with his Ryder Cup golf buggy. For Monty, it’s an essential part of the Captain’s armoury from which he will orchestrate the European charge against the United States next year and another indication that we’re on countdown to Celtic Manor. Of course, Monty’s ride has been suitably ‘pimped’ by the specialists at Club Car with a customised paint job and in case of any doubt – ‘Captain’s Car’ emblazoned across the front.

Great work by the team at Club Car but the sight of golf buggies of all shapes and sizes on our courses is definitely on the increase, a sure sign that many of us are jumping on the errr…buggy-wagon.

So why the increase? Golf buggies for hire by clubs are nothing new but the last few years have seen a significant increase in the number of individuals buying their own buggies for use at their home course and further afield. Buggies being unloaded from trailers are a common sight in golf club car parks these days with many clubs going one step further and offering secure storage areas for ease of use.

Golfplan’s Commercial Director Simon Seward comments: ‘Individual ownership of golf buggies is really on the increase in the UK. There is a greater range of buggies on the market at different price points which makes the ownership of a buggy a real proposition for many golfers. We also have an ageing population who are healthier and want to continue to be active. The ownership of a buggy can give golfers a new lease of life.’

He added: ‘Many clubs are latching on to this trend and improving pathways around their courses, offering secure storage and issuing guidelines for use of buggies by their members and visitors.’

But what about the risk? Well to start with, a buggy owner needs to recognise the duty of care to others whilst using their buggy on a course and have public liability cover to protect them against injuring a fellow golfer. Most clubs will insist on public liability cover as a minimum before allowing buggy owners onto the course. In addition to this, there is always the threat of theft, loss, vandalism or accidental damage during use or whilst moving the buggy around from home to a course and so on. A comprehensive golf insurance policy will provide the essential protection a golfer needs for their buggy and the rest of their valuable golf equipment.

At Golfplan, all policies provide essential protection for buggies against personal liability, theft, loss, vandalism or accidental damage during use, whilst stored at a golf venue or in a garage, and during carriage to and from the golfing venue. Cover also includes public liability protection, against killing or injuring a fellow golfer. You can compare their policies here

Within all Golfplan policies, golf buggies are treated as golf equipment which means a buggy is protected 24-hours a day, giving the buggy owner total peace of mind. All a policyholder has to do is ensure that their buggy is individually secured to a fixed object when stored at a golfing venue or in a garage. Also during carriage to and from golfing venues, buggies must be secured to the trailer.

Time to Take Cover

A PGA professional and club golfer stress the importance and explain the benefits of dedicated golf insurance.

The Professional’s View

1.How important is golf insurance?
These days it’s important for any golfer to be aware of their responsibilities when stepping onto the first tee, so cover for personal liability and third party property damage is essential. Secondly, theft is a real issue in today’s society and, with most golfers carrying upwards of £1,000 of equipment, I would advise all golfers to make sure they are covered by a decent policy.

2.When is the best time to recommend golf insurance to your members?
Opportunities present themselves at various times. I make sure that whenever we sell a set of irons or a new piece of equipment, such as a driver or putter, we check with the individual concerned that they are covered because the value of equipment soon mounts up. We carry stocks of Golfplan leaflets, so if we’re selling some clothing it’s easy to pop a leaflet intothe bag. Golfplan supplies other merchandise such as posters, which are great for the driving range and noticeboards. In addition, we have a link on our website and include it in our email newsletters and bulletins.

3.What should golfers look for when taking out golf insurance?
Look for a specialist provider - some golfers think they are covered by their house insurance but in most cases this doesn’t provide any cover at all and certainly not the kind today’s golfer needs. Apart from public liability and third party property damage cover, which I mentioned earlier, the main area for me would be to ensure you get theft from car cover because this is one of the most common claims and one which I hear about the most. Other nice to haves are ‘hole in one’ cover and overseas cover. You don’t want to be hit by clubhouse bar bill that’s for sure! Also a lot of golfers are going abroad to places like The Algarve and Spain, often with a club or society, so it’s an important consideration. Above all, I would say check the policy wordings carefully as exclusions and excesses vary from provider to provider.

4. Why is Golfplan your preferred provider of golf insurance?
I’ve supported Golfplan since it first came to market in 1984. Over the years it has provided me with marketing support, merchandise and I’ve benefited from claims settlement business. It is also the only specialist golf insurer to have a partnership with the PGA, so it makes sense for me to recommend Golfplan.

5.What are the benefits of working with Golfplan?
Golfplan only settles claims through PGA pros and its in-house claims team is always very cooperativeand efficient. As a result, settling a claim is a simple process. This means clients are happy to visit their pro for advice on replacing equipment, which enables us to ensure they’re happy with their choice as wellas other benefits such as custom-fitting.

David Wilton, Professional, Muswell Hill Golf Club



The Player’s View

1.Why did you take out a golf insurance policy?
I had heard about golf insurance from my pro and other golfers at my club but, like many people, wrongly assumed my house insurance provided me with a suitable level of cover.

2.What key benefits did you look for?
The first thing was cover for theft of my equipment whenever I left home. My job takes me around the country and sometimes I like to take my clubs with me. As these are worth £2,000, I need to be covered in these situations. Also, we have all experienced a wayward shot and I think all golfers have a responsibility to others on the course. I also like the overseas cover as my golf society is getting a bit more adventurous and we now play abroad once or twice a year.

3.Why did you choose Golfplan?
I’d heard of Golfplan through my pro and seen the literature about it in his shop and elsewhere around the club. It was easy to take a policy out via the website and I got a great deal on renewal as I recommended a friend to Golfplan. I also like the fact that my membership fees are covered if I’m unable to play through injury. What’s more, I’ve not achieved a hole-in-one yet but at least I know my bar bill will be covered if I do!

4.What advice would you give to fellow golfers without golf insurance?
Look for a specialist provider who understands golfers and can offer you the right level of cover to suit your requirements; don’t rely solely on the information on a leaflet or a website; and take a look at the policy terms and conditions as there may be some restrictions that are not immediately obvious.

Andy Cox, club golfer, Long Ashton Golf Club, Bristol


For more information on Golfplan’s comprehensive cover click here