How Do You Insure Georgia’s Largest Public Golf Resort?
Have you ever wondered what it takes to insure a golf resort with 63 holes, spanning four courses and welcoming thousands of players each year?
Or why a public facility like Jekyll Island Golf Club faces a totally different risk landscape than your average private club?
This article will show you what makes insuring Jekyll Island one of the most complex challenges in recreational insurance.
You’ll learn how its sheer scale, public access, and coastal setting demand a custom-built strategy, and what coverage types are essential to protecting this golf giant.
A Coastal Colossus: Jekyll Island’s Unique Risk Profile
Jekyll Island isn’t just Georgia’s largest public golf resort. It is a public institution that combines recreation with accessibility.
Managed by the Jekyll Island Authority, this state-owned property opens its fairways to anyone, every day, all year long.
With that access comes a high-risk environment. The resort doesn’t serve a steady group of experienced members. Instead, it welcomes a constant rotation of tourists, families, and first-time players. Many visitors are unfamiliar with golf course etiquette or safety. That increases the odds of accidents on every hole.
The Risk of Scale: Bigger Means More Risk, More Often
Every hole, cart, and swing adds to the exposure. When you expand to 63 holes, you aren’t just multiplying space—you are multiplying the likelihood of incidents.
Compare Jekyll Island to a traditional 18-hole private club:
| Risk Factor | Standard 18-Hole Club | Jekyll Island (63 Holes) |
|---|---|---|
| Player Volume | Consistent, low-to-moderate | High and transient, unfamiliar visitors |
| Golf Cart Fleet | Small, experienced use | Hundreds, mixed experience levels |
| Errant Ball Exposure | Controlled, internal zones | Multiple courses near roads and hotels |
| Equipment Wear | Routine, predictable | Heavy, constant use |
| Environmental Risk | Contained footprint | Expansive acreage near a sensitive ecosystem |
With more players and more acreage comes a much higher chance of routine and unexpected claims.
The Public Mandate: Higher Responsibility, Not Just More Players
Jekyll Island operates under Georgia’s recreational-use statute, which may offer some protection against liability. However, this legal buffer is limited. It does not extend to property loss or shield the facility from all legal exposure.
Because it is state-run, the standard of care is elevated. The resort must be safe for children, beginners, and guests who may not have set foot on a golf course before. One major incident could result in financial loss and damage public confidence.
What It Takes to Insure a Public Golf Giant
To protect a facility this large, the insurance strategy must be both comprehensive and scalable. That means accounting for high-frequency daily incidents and preparing for rare but severe disasters.
Core Coverages for Everyday Risk
General Liability Insurance
This coverage is critical. Policies must include endorsements for property damage caused by errant balls and liability involving visitor belongings. High limits are essential.
Golf Cart Fleet Coverage
Jekyll’s cart fleet is large, and many users are inexperienced. A dedicated policy covers physical damage and third-party liability.
Property and Equipment Insurance
This extends across all course assets, including greens, irrigation systems, maintenance equipment, and buildings. Coverage for equipment breakdown is especially important.
Special Coverage for a Coastal Location
Hurricane and Flood Insurance
Located on a barrier island, Jekyll is exposed to named storms and flood threats. The policy must protect both the structures and the course terrain.
Environmental and Pollution Liability
Maintaining 63 holes requires storing fuel, pesticides, and herbicides. A dedicated policy protects against leaks or environmental damage, especially near protected coastal zones.
Why This Coverage Matters
Jekyll Island is more than a golf course. It is a public resource and a revenue-generating operation.
Without insurance, the financial impact of even routine incidents could cripple operations.
A well-structured insurance program ensures resilience. It helps the resort deliver high-quality experiences while minimizing financial disruption, even in the face of unpredictable events.
The Business Side of Public Golf
If you manage a public venue, you know the risks go beyond customer service. You face legal, financial, and operational exposure every day.
Now that you’ve seen how Jekyll Island handles this, consider what gaps may exist in your own facility’s protection plan.
Your next step is to evaluate whether your insurance strategy matches your property’s scale and complexity.
If it doesn’t, now is the time to get a quote and build a plan that does.
