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:

1. "Lightning Safety on the Golf Course" by the National Lightning Safety Institute - https://www.lightningsafety.com/nlsi_pls/golf_course.html

2. "Lightning Safety Tips for Golfers" by the National Weather Service - https://www.weather.gov/media/owlie/LightningGolfCourse.pdf

3. "Golf Course Lightning Safety" by the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) - 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!

Liability will vary based on several factors and the specific facts of each case. To fully understand the potential liability of a golf course for a lightning strike injury, we recommend that you consult one of our experienced personal injury lawyers at WVGB Law Group.