By Craig Morgan | Bspoke Sports & Leisure
As a specialist underwriter for sports and social clubs, summer is typically the season we associate with peak play — immaculate greens, lively tournaments, and bustling clubhouses. But 2025 is painting a different picture. This year, the UK has experienced an early and intense wave of dry, hot weather — and with it, an alarming uptick in wildfire risk.
While wildfires may still sound like a problem confined to other climates, they are becoming an increasingly pressing issue here at home. Prolonged dry spells, warmer temperatures, and unpredictable wind patterns are turning even the greenest fairways and playing fields into potential fire zones.
For UK brokers working with rural or semi-rural sports clubs, the message is clear: this is no longer a seasonal anomaly — it’s a rising risk that demands attention.
A Changing Risk Landscape
Golf courses, cricket grounds, rugby pitches and other expansive green spaces are all susceptible to fire damage, particularly those bordering woodland, heathland or agricultural land. A stray spark from a barbecue, discarded cigarette, or nearby bonfire could have devastating consequences.
“The fire risk isn’t theoretical anymore,” says Craig Morgan, Managing Director of Bspoke Sports & Leisure. “Clubs are already facing drier playing surfaces, heightened flammability in surrounding vegetation, and a greater need for emergency planning. We’ve seen cases where smoke damage alone has disrupted operations and bookings — and that’s before any structural loss.”
What Should Brokers Be Discussing with Their Clients?
Now is the time for brokers to engage proactively with sports and golf club clients. We recommend exploring the following:
- Fire prevention planning — Does the club have a documented fire response protocol?
- Irrigation systems — Are watering routines effective during droughts to reduce surface-level dryness?
- Equipment and machinery storage — Are flammable fuels and equipment stored safely?
- Emergency access — Are fire services able to reach all areas of the property quickly if needed?
- Business continuity — Is there cover in place for operational downtime if the club is temporarily closed or damaged?
“Preparation is as important as protection,” adds Craig. “Clubs need to think about not only their insurance cover, but also their operational resilience. This is where brokers can provide significant value — by helping clients understand and mitigate risk before a claim ever arises.”
Tailored Cover for an Evolving Climate
At Bspoke Sports & Leisure, we work with brokers to provide specialist cover for:
- Golf courses and driving ranges
- Multi-sport clubs with extensive grounds
- Rural or semi-rural leisure facilities
- Clubhouses, greenkeeping sheds, and outdoor structures
Our Sports and Social Club policy includes:
- Property damage cover including fire, storm, and lightning
- Business interruption for temporary closures
- Public liability for member and visitor safety
- Employers’ liability for staff and volunteers
“We’re here to support brokers in placing responsive, realistic cover that reflects the true nature of today’s risks,” says Craig. “Wildfire isn’t just a climate story anymore — it’s a club management issue, a business resilience issue, and an insurance priority.”
Supporting Brokers Through a Changing Season
The British summer is changing — and with it, the risk landscape for clubs across the country. At Bspoke Sports & Leisure, we’re committed to helping brokers support their clients through every season, no matter how unpredictable.
For more information about our Sports and Social Club policy or to discuss a specific case, speak to our underwriting team today.