Why Employment Practices Liability Insurance is Essential for Golf Courses and Country Clubs

Golf courses and country clubs manage a workforce unlike any other in hospitality or recreation. Employees often work across wide outdoor spaces, high-interaction member environments and fast-paced food and beverage operations. With such varied roles, disagreements, misunderstandings and personnel issues can arise quickly—often turning into costly employment claims without proper protection in place.

Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) helps clubs navigate these exposures by covering disputes related to harassment, discrimination, retaliation, wage practices and day-to-day employee relations. For operators focused on financial stability and guest satisfaction, EPLI is essential.

The Employment Risks Clubs Face Every Day

Even when hiring practices are strong, risk exposures emerge after employees join the team. Golf course operations rely on coordination between maintenance, outdoor services, golf operations, pro shop staff, event teams and restaurant and bar employees. Miscommunication or inconsistent policy enforcement in these areas can lead to significant EPLI claims.

This risk is broader than many clubs realize. According to Hiscox, the average U.S. business faces a 10.5 percent chance of experiencing an employment-related claim.

Common triggers include:

• Conflicts over scheduling or workload
• Harassment allegations involving staff, members or guests
• Disputes tied to promotions, discipline or favoritism
• Claims that internal complaints were mishandled

These challenges are amplified in member-facing environments where employees interact closely with guests.

Wage and Hour Pressures Unique to Clubs

Wage and hour disputes remain one of the most expensive and frequent exposures in hospitality. A review of roughly 20,000 EPL claims found that the average paid loss exceeded $28,000, with significantly higher amounts in high-litigation states. 

Golf courses and country clubs face added pressures due to:

• Event-driven staffing fluctuations
• Split shifts in maintenance and food service
• Tip distribution across multiple service areas
• Weather-dependent scheduling

Even minor timekeeping or overtime errors can escalate quickly.

Managing Guest-Facing Risks

Club employees frequently interact with members and guests, creating additional exposure when disputes involve non-employees. EPLI can respond when:

• An employee alleges inappropriate behavior by a guest.
• A staff member claims leadership failed to protect them.
• Conflicts arise during busy events or high-demand service periods.

These third-party allegations are growing across the hospitality sector.

Safety and Work Environment Issues That Lead to Claims

Some EPLI claims originate from concerns about workload, fairness or communication but evolve into allegations involving retaliation or discrimination.

Examples include:

• Disputes over job assignments or disciplinary action
• Claims tied to concerns about working conditions
• Conflicts related to accommodations or expectations

Retaliation remains the single most common basis for employment claims. EEOC data shows it accounts for nearly 57 percent of all employment-related charges filed nationwide.

How EPLI Protects Golf Courses and Clubs

Because an employment dispute can exceed six figures in legal costs, EPLI provides critical financial and legal protection. Key benefits include:

• Defense coverage for legal fees and investigations
• Payment of settlements or judgments for covered claims
• Protection for harassment, discrimination, retaliation and wrongful termination allegations
• Coverage for wage and hour disputes, depending on policy structure
• Third-party protection involving members, guests or vendors

EPLI allows operators to handle disputes professionally while maintaining operational stability.

The Bottom Line: Protecting Your Workforce Protects Your Club

Golf courses and country clubs succeed when employees feel safe, supported and treated fairly. But even when HR practices are strong, the nature of seasonal staffing, public interaction and diverse job roles creates real exposure.

EPLI provides the financial and legal backbone needed to navigate these challenges while preserving the member experience and safeguarding long-term financial health.

To strengthen your employment risk strategy and secure EPLI tailored to the golf industry, contact Alliant’s golf course specialists. We help clubs stay ahead of emerging workforce challenges and protect your long-term success.