Among the different kinds of golf insurance that have developed over the past few years, many individual policies cover only one specific activity or situation. Still other insurance packages related to golf and golf travel can include coverage for nearly every situation that might occur on a golf holiday or during a regular weekend round at the local course. But most golfers (some estimate 90%) don't have any type of special golf insurance. Your current insurance broker or agent is a good place to start when trying to understand golf coverage and just what is covered. A few specific questions and definite answers from the agent may be enough to prove that your current insurance will cover some golf situations. For example, many home insurance policies will cover golf equipment while it is on the owner's property. But sometimes even this is not the case. Thousands of injury and property damage situations arise each year in which the basic cause is a golf action. In addition, golf equipment worth millions of pounds is stolen every year, even from those who are extremely careful about where they place their clubs and other items. Consequently, the number of golfers who insure their golf clubs is rising rapidly. Yet only a tiny fraction of golfers are sufficiently covered by insurance for theft, property damage or personal injury caused by their golf activity.

• According to most studies, cases involving injury on the golf course pose significant financial risk to golfers. One study indicates that as many as 10,000 golfers worldwide seek treatment at a hospital after an injury on the golf course. Some golfers are also found liable for damages to golf course or country club property but do not have insurance support for these issues. Statistics compiled by the golf field or by the insurance industry show that golfers who may be sued for damages are definitely in need of specific insurance coverage for these situations. Several companies now offer insurance for golf equipment, with golf club coverage as one area of specialty.

Policies can be purchased to reimburse the golfer whose clubs are damaged or lost while they are in the clubhouse or at one of the club rests near the tee. This is particularly important because, contrary to popular belief, a large number of golf clubs are stolen or mysteriously "disappear" in the parking area or in the club house each year. One important area of golf insurance that is often left untouched is travel coverage for the annual or once-in-a-lifetime golf holiday. These comprehensive packages can cover such areas as extra reimbursement funds for lost or stolen clubs; limited coverage for greens fees and prepaid direct costs if the trip has to be cancelled; injury and hospital benefits (in specific plans). Some golf specialty companies also have insurance coverage written specifically for the one-time trip and for those who make multiple trips each year (coverage is arranged annually for all potential golf travel). Be sure to inquire about where the coverage is in effect. Some companies can tailor a policy for golf travel in Europe only, the United States only or worldwide. There are many other kinds of insurance for golfing events and activities, such as hole-in-one insurance for the tournament sponsor and liability insurance for the individuals who plan and host a golf event. Some companies will even cover golf club fees and travel costs (in special policies) if a worker is made redundant involuntarily. This interesting and very specific coverage is becoming increasingly popular. If the working man is fortunate enough to experience a hole-in-one and then is presented with a large dinner/bar bill during the following celebration, never fear. it is even possible to purchase insurance for this eventuality. Simply put, the companies have you covered.