Clubs can cover all the angles comprehensively

In these litigious days, it was perhaps inevitable that a comprehensive insurance package aimed solely at golf clubs would hit the market - and, yesterday, the Golfing Union of Ireland endorsed "golfsure", a branded insurance product being promoted by Coyle Hamilton and AIG Europe (Ireland).

Indeed, the GUI will benefit to the tune of £100,000 over five years. As part of the agreement, "golfsure" will sponsor three championships: the All-Ireland County Championship, the Irish Seniors Open Amateur Championship, and the Senior Interprovincial Championship.

This year's finals of the All-Ireland county team championship are due to be staged at Lahinch on April 4th, the Irish Seniors Open takes place at Thurles on June 4th-5th, and the Senior Interprovincials are scheduled for Portstewart on August 12th-14th.

The advent of "golfsure", which will be available to clubs through their local insurance broker, has been brought about by the "demand for greater standards of safe and secure playing facilities," according to Coyle Hamilton's group marketing director, David O'Halloran.

Some areas earmarked as particular concerns is the increased number of housing estates threatening golf course boundaries, the malicious or accidental damage to playing surfaces, and issues of trespass.