Golf is a way of life in Las Vegas. From high-end resort courses on the Strip to community greens in Summerlin and Henderson, locals and tourists alike spend countless hours on the fairways. But while golf may seem like a relaxing pastime, it carries real risks. From stray golf balls to dangerous cart rollovers, accidents at golf courses can lead to serious injuries.
When these accidents occur, victims are often left wondering: Who is responsible? Is it the golfer, the course operator, or another party? This blog explores liability for golf course injuries in Nevada and explains what victims need to know about pursuing compensation.
Led by Preston Rezaee, Esq., The Firm is a premier personal injury law practice in Las Vegas, dedicated to delivering justice for accident victims. With a reputation for relentless advocacy and client-focused representation, The Firm ensures injured individuals receive the compensation they deserve.
Golf in Las Vegas: A Unique Setting
Las Vegas is home to dozens of premier golf courses — many associated with luxury resorts. These venues draw tourists from around the world and host corporate outings, charity tournaments, and high-stakes competitions. Unlike a casual round of golf in a quiet suburb, Las Vegas courses often involve:
- Heavy traffic: Crowds of players, caddies, and staff.
- Complex layouts: Courses designed for entertainment and challenge, sometimes increasing risk.
- Alcohol consumption: Many golfers drink on the course, heightening the risk of accidents.
- Tourist players: Visitors may lack golf etiquette or safety awareness.
These factors create conditions where injuries are more likely.
Common Golf Course Injuries
Though golf is considered “low impact,” the injuries can be severe. The most common types include:
1. Errant Golf Ball Strikes
Being hit by a ball can cause serious head, eye, or facial injuries. While golfers are expected to yell “Fore!” as a warning, not everyone does — and sometimes players don’t have enough time to react.
2. Golf Cart Accidents
Golf carts cause thousands of injuries annually. On hilly or poorly maintained terrain, carts can tip over. Drivers may also crash into obstacles or other players. Common cart-related injuries include broken bones, concussions, and spinal injuries.
3. Slip and Fall Accidents
Wet grass, uneven walkways, and poorly maintained paths create slip and fall hazards. Inside the clubhouse, spills, broken tiles, or inadequate lighting can also cause injuries.
4. Heat-Related Illness
In Las Vegas, temperatures often soar above 100°F. Golfers exposed to heat without proper hydration may suffer heat stroke or dehydration — conditions that can be life-threatening.
5. Equipment-Related Injuries
Defective clubs, broken course equipment, or faulty rental gear can also cause harm.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Liability for golf course injuries depends on the circumstances. Potentially responsible parties include:
1. Other Golfers
If another player acts carelessly — failing to warn, hitting without checking their surroundings, or driving a cart recklessly — they may be liable for injuries caused.
2. Golf Course Operators
Courses owe a duty of care to maintain safe conditions. This includes:
- Keeping walkways clear and well-maintained.
- Ensuring golf carts are in safe working order.
- Providing proper signage for hazards.
- Training staff to respond to emergencies.
Failure to meet these responsibilities can result in premises liability claims.
3. Equipment Manufacturers or Rental Providers
If a defective cart, club, or other equipment contributed to the injury, the manufacturer or rental company may bear liability under product liability laws.
Nevada Law and Golf Course Injuries
Nevada applies the doctrine of premises liability, which holds property owners responsible for maintaining safe conditions for guests. However, this doesn’t mean victims automatically win their case. They must show:
- The property owner owed them a duty of care.
- The owner breached that duty.
- The breach directly caused their injury.
- The injury resulted in damages (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering).
Nevada also follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning victims can still recover damages if they are less than 51% at fault. For example, if a golfer wasn’t paying attention and shares partial blame, their compensation may be reduced.
Real-World Examples of Golf Course Injuries
To better understand how liability works, consider these scenarios:
- A tourist is struck in the head by a golf ball after another player tees off without warning. The negligent golfer may be liable.
- A golf cart flips because the brakes were poorly maintained. The course operator may be responsible for negligent upkeep.
- A golfer suffers heat stroke during a tournament where the course failed to provide shaded rest areas or accessible water stations. The course could face liability for failing to address foreseeable risks.
Each case is unique, which is why professional legal guidance is crucial.
What to Do After a Golf Course Injury in Las Vegas
If you’re injured on a golf course, take the following steps:
- Report the incident immediately to course staff or management.
- Seek medical attention — even seemingly minor injuries like concussions can worsen.
- Document the scene with photos and witness information.
- Request maintenance or incident reports from the course if available.
- Contact a personal injury attorney before speaking with insurance representatives or signing waivers.
How The Firm Helps Golf Course Injury Victims
At The Firm, we understand the unique challenges of golf course injury claims. With Las Vegas’s resort-driven golf industry, these cases often involve powerful operators and insurance companies that fight to minimize payouts. Preston Rezaee, Esq., and his team have the skill and experience to:
- Investigate the accident thoroughly.
- Identify all liable parties.
- Handle communications with insurers and corporate representatives.
- Pursue maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Golf may be a game of relaxation, but accidents on the course can be life-altering. If you’ve been injured at a golf course in Las Vegas — whether by an errant ball, a cart accident, or unsafe property conditions — you don’t have to face the legal process alone. The Firm is here to hold negligent parties accountable and secure the justice you deserve.
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. The content is based on the author’s understanding of the subject matter at the time of writing and is not tailored to the specific circumstances of any individual or entity.
Nothing in this article should be construed as creating an attorney-client relationship or as a substitute for seeking legal advice from a licensed attorney. Legal matters can be complex and vary greatly depending on the jurisdiction and the specifics of the case. Therefore, we strongly encourage readers to consult with qualified legal counsel for advice regarding their individual circumstances.
The author and publisher of this article assume no responsibility for any errors or omissions in the content or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein. The reader assumes full responsibility for any use or reliance on the information contained in this article.
By using this article, the reader agrees that they will not hold the author or publisher liable for any outcomes resulting from their use of the information presented.
For specific legal advice, readers are urged to contact a licensed attorney in their jurisdiction.