Golf Course Injury Claims

Golf is one of the most popular sports in the UK, with more than one million adults playing at least twice a month. While this activity is supposed to be fun and safe, accidents sometimes happen. These can affect anyone, including players, caddies, spectators and staff and can cause injuries that range from minor bruising to loss of sight and brain trauma.

Injuries on golf courses are commonly caused by being hit by a golf ball, faulty equipment, and hazards such as damaged steps or dangerous terrain. If another party is liable for your accident, you may be eligible to make a golf course injury claim. You can potentially receive compensation for your pain, suffering, and related financial losses.

To find out if you have a valid claim for a golfing accident, do not hesitate to call 0800 470 0474 today or use our online contact form to request a call back. You will receive a free consultation with a legal adviser who will answer all your questions and guide you through the steps of the claims process.

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By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy. With no win no fee you typically pay 25% of your compensation if your claim is successful, but the fee can vary. Termination fees may apply if you fail to co-operate with your solicitor.

Table of Contents

• Duty of care of golf courses
• Common types of golf course accidents
• Am I entitled to make a golf course injury claim?
• What evidence do I need to support my golf injury compensation claim?
• Common injuries on the golf course
• Can I claim compensation as a golf course employee?
• What is the time limit to start a golf accident claim?
• How much compensation could I get?
• Can I make a golf course accident claim on a no win no fee basis?

Duty of care of golf courses

Golf courses owe a legal duty of care to visitors, which includes both players and spectators. This duty is outlined by the Occupiers Liability Act 1957 and states that the occupier of premises should take the following steps to prevent accidents on a golf course:

• Maintain their facilities in a safe condition, including fairways, greens, bunkers, and paths;
• Implement safety measures to minimise the risk of injuries, such as warning signs about flying golf balls or steep terrain;
• Ensure that rental equipment, such as golf buggies and clubs, are in good working condition and properly maintained;
• Provide guidance on the safe use of equipment to prevent accidents and injuries;
• Ensure that golf course staff are adequately trained to assist players and spectators, provide first aid when needed and respond effectively to emergencies;
• Have measures in place to manage crowds safely for tournaments or events with large numbers of visitors;
• Have policies in place for bad weather, such as lightning storms or extreme heat, to ensure the safety of players and spectators, which may include temporary closures.

If you suffer harm due to a breach of these duties, you may be eligible to make a personal injury claim for compensation. Golf courses should hold liability insurance to cover any accidents or injuries that may occur on their premises due to their negligence.

Common types of golf course accidents

From flying golf balls to faulty equipment, there are many different types of accidents that could lead to a golf injury claim. These include, but are not limited to:

• Slips, trips and falls. These can be caused by uneven terrain, wet or slippery surfaces, or obstacles like tree roots or divots. The golf course has a duty to properly maintain or contain any such hazards or put up warning signs so that people are aware of any dangers that cannot be removed;
• Golf ball accidents. Due to their small size and tremendous velocity at which they travel, golf balls are hard to see and can cause serious injuries if they hit a person. Golf ball injuries are the most common type of accident that occurs at golf courses and can cause substantial harm, such as loss of sight, brain injuries and broken teeth;
• Being struck by a golf club. Golf clubs are typically made of metal and can cause a lot of damage if a player loses their grip during a swing. A flying club could strike another person and cause contusions, lacerations, eye injuries or more severe brain trauma;
• Buggy accidents. These can occur for various reasons, including poor vehicle maintenance, driver error or terrain hazards. They may injure the vehicle occupants, pedestrians or the occupants of another golf cart or buggy and can lead to whiplash, fractures, bruising or concussions;
• Faulty equipment. Golf courses typically offer equipment for rent, such as golf clubs, bags and buggies. If these are not provided in good order, they may lead to various accidents for which you could start an injury compensation claim.

Whether you suffered any of these or another accident on a golf course, a personal injury solicitor could help you make a golf course accident claim if somebody else’s negligence caused the accident.

Am I entitled to make a golf course injury claim?

If you’ve suffered harm due to a golfing accident, you may be eligible to make a golf injury claim. Before taking on your case, your personal injury solicitor will determine whether your case has merit by verifying that:

• Another party, known as the defendant, owed you a legal duty of care;
• They breached this duty through an act of negligence which led to an accident;
• The accident caused you to suffer an injury within the last three years.

Your solicitor will prove a duty of care by referring to the Occupiers Liability Act or other relevant legislation. However, it is essential to remember that not all accidents may be due to the golf club’s negligence. For example, a golf ball injury may be strictly the fault of a golfer who failed to take due caution and ensure the area was clear. Your injury lawyer will be able to identify the responsible party and help you gather evidence to prove liability.

What evidence do I need to support my golf injury compensation claim?

To make a successful golf injury claim, you need relevant proof to show who is liable for the accident, the type and severity of the injuries sustained and how these have affected your life. The evidence you could use to support your claim includes:

• Pictures of the accident scene, taken from different angles before any contributing hazard is replaced or removed;
• Photographs of any visible injuries, such as bruises or damaged teeth and pictures taken during the healing process;
• If your accident was captured on a phone or security camera, a copy of the footage could help clarify how the events occurred and who is liable for compensation;
• Statements from anybody who saw the accident can help corroborate your version of events and assign liability;
• You can also use statements from friends or family who saw the extent of pain and suffering the golfing accident has caused you;
• Medical documents or reports that show the injuries you suffered, such as diagnostic tests, doctor’s notes and the treatments you received;
• Your solicitor might also arrange a free medical exam with an independent specialist who will assess your recovery prospects and future care needs;
• A copy of an accident report you should make with a member of the staff as soon as possible will help prove the date, time and location of your accident;
• Your notes about how the accident occurred, the progression of your injuries and how they have affected your work and daily life;
• You must also provide evidence of all the related financial losses and expenses you incurred, such as receipts and invoices.

Common injuries on the golf course

Common injuries that can occur on a golf course and potentially lead to a personal injury compensation claim include:

• Contusions and bruises. The impact from slips, trips, falls, or golf ball accidents can result in bruises and contusions on various parts of the body.
• Lacerations. Sharp edges on golf equipment or hazards on the golf course can cause cuts, which, if not adequately treated, may lead to infections and permanent scarring.
• Fractures. Falls, collisions, or being struck by golf equipment or objects can cause broken bones, particularly in areas such as the wrists, ankles, or hips.
• Head injuries. Falling or being struck by a golf ball or club can result in head injuries that can range from minor concussions to more severe traumatic brain injuries.
• Eye injuries. Golf balls or clubs can cause eye injuries such as corneal abrasions, retinal detachments, or even permanent vision loss.
• Soft tissue injuries. Sudden movements, falls, or overexertion during golf activities can cause sprains, strains, or even tears to muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
• Back and spinal injuries. Falls and other incidents on the course can lead to back injuries such as muscle strains, herniated discs, or spinal cord injuries.
• Whiplash. Accidents involving golf carts or buggies, such as collisions or sudden stops, can cause whiplash injuries to the neck and upper back.
• Dental injuries. Being struck by a golf ball or club can cause dental injuries, such as chipped or broken teeth and injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth.

Can I claim compensation as a golf course employee?

If you work at a golf course, your employer has a duty of care towards you, primarily established by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. They must take the following steps to protect your safety and well-being at work:

• Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards, such as uneven terrain, dangerous chemicals or heavy machinery, and take suitable measures to control or eliminate them;
• Provide proper training, supervision and instruction for employees to carry out their duties safely;
• Where necessary, provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, safety glasses, or hearing protection to employees;
• Ensure that equipment, machinery, and tools used by employees are adequately maintained, inspected, and serviced to prevent accidents and malfunctions;
• Assess the risks associated with manual handling tasks and implement measures to minimise the risk of injury.

If your employer has failed in their duties towards you and you suffered damages due to their negligence, you may be able to start an accident at work claim.

Claiming compensation should not affect your job, as you are protected by unfair and constructive dismissal laws. In the unlikely event that you are sacked or disciplined as a result, a solicitor can help you make a further claim at an employment tribunal.

What is the time limit to start a golf accident claim?

The time limit to start a golf course injury claim is set by the Limitation Act 1980 and is typically three from the date of your accident. After this period, your case will be statute-barred and no longer valid. That’s why it’s essential to start your claim as soon as possible, which will also make it easier to collect evidence and build a strong case.

There are a few exceptions to this three-year rule, such as:

• With child injury claims, there is no time limit up to the child’s 18th birthday. Afterwards, if a parent or another adult did not claim on their behalf prior to that, the injured person will have until turning 21 to start a claim.
• The time limit is suspended if the injured party lacks mental capacity due to a brain injury or another condition such as PTSD or autism. A litigation friend could claim compensation for them at any time.
• If you were the victim of an assault or another violent crime on a golf course, you have two years to start a claim through the CICA.

How much compensation could I get?

The amount of compensation you could receive for a golf injury claim depends on the circumstances of your accident and how it has affected your life. Your compensation payout will cover the pain and suffering caused by the physical injuries (general damages) as well as the related financial expenses (special damages). If you win the case, your compensation will take into account the following:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional and psychological trauma
• Reduced quality of life
• The effects on your hobbies and social life
• Medical expenses such as private treatments and prescriptions
• Lost earnings during recovery and loss of earning capacity
• Travel expenses for medical appointments
• Care costs during recovery or for long-term assistance with a disability

Please refer to our compensation calculator to learn more about how much you could receive for the type of injury you suffered.

Can I make a golf course accident claim on a no win no fee basis?

If you were injured on a golf course due to someone else’s negligence, the solicitors we work with will help you claim on a no win no fee* basis. This service ensures you have no financial risk, as you do not have to pay any upfront legal fees. Your solicitor takes on the risk of litigation, and they only get a success fee if you receive compensation (which is capped at 25% of your award). You do not have to pay them a single penny if you lose.

Your solicitor may take out an After the Event (ATE) insurance policy as part of the no win no fee agreement. This further protects you against the costs and disbursements incurred during the claims process. If you lose your claim, the ATE will cover all these expenses, including court fees, medical reports and any expert witness fees.

To find out if you have a valid golf accident claim, call 0800 470 0474 for a free consultation with a friendly legal adviser. Alternatively, enter your details into our contact form, and we will give you a callback.

Last edited on 7th Aug 2025

With over 15 years’ experience in the legal sector, Nicholas Tate (LLB Hons, LLM in Health Law) has extensive experience across all areas of personal injury and medical negligence claims.