Can a Golf Course Be Liable for Injuries Sustained From a Lightning Strike?

Written By Justin A. Villeneuve

Fact-Checked

Updated June 13, 2024

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Summer is officially here in Ontario, and golf season is well underway. With the warmer summer temperatures and humidity, atmospheric instability can result in thunderstorms that can damper a golfer’s day. When a thunderstorm strikes, what duties does a golf course have to keep golfers safe? What precautions are they expected to take? If you are injured in a lightning strike on a golf course, can you sue?

Generally, occupiers (in this case, golf courses) owe a duty of care to their patrons, which means they have a legal responsibility to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of individuals on their premises. This duty includes protecting against foreseeable risks. Whether a lightning strike was a ‘foreseeable risk’ will depend on the circumstances.

Golf Course Standard of Care

In fulfilling their duty of care, golf courses should conduct a risk assessment to identify potential hazards, including lightning strikes. They may be required to implement appropriate safety measures such as lightning detection systems, weather monitoring, or the use of warning sirens. 

If a golf course has implemented a lightning warning system, they must have protocols in place to respond to warnings effectively. This may involve suspending play, directing players to safe areas, or temporarily closing the course.

Golf courses should provide adequate shelter options for players and staff in the event of a lightning storm. This could include designated lightning shelters, clubhouses, or other suitable structures. Failing to provide safe shelter options may increase liability.

Clear warning signs about the risks of lightning and the course’s safety policies should be prominently displayed throughout the golf course. Additionally, effective communication channels should be in place to alert players and staff of lightning-related dangers.

Liability may arise if a golf course fails to take reasonable precautions or ignores known risks associated with lightning. For instance, if a golf course knows that a lightning storm is affecting the area, but fails to warn its patrons (often accomplished by sounding the “lightning horn”) or suspend play, it may be held liable for injuries sustained by patrons as a result of the lightning storm.

Resources for Golf Safety and Lighting

Here are some online resources that can help you avoid lightning strikes on golf courses:

  • https://www.lightningsafety.com/nlsi_pls/golf_course.html
  • https://www.weather.gov/media/owlie/LightningGolfCourse.pdf
  • https://www.pga.com/articles/golf-course-lightning-safety-tips

Remember, it’s important to take lightning seriously and follow safety guidelines to protect yourself and others on the golf course. Stay safe out there!

About the Author

Justin is a fully bilingual lawyer and services clients in both French and English. He represents parties in insurance disputes, personal injury claims, and employment disputes at various levels of courts in Ontario. He was given early acceptance to the Common Law program at the University of Ottawa Law School. He obtained his Juris Doctorate in 2014 and was admitted to the Law Society of Upper Canada in 2016 after articling at Weaver Simmons in Sudbury, Ontario.

Education

University of Ottawa – Common Law

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