Jury puts insurers in the rough with golf course verdict

BLOOMFIELD HILLS (AP) — Did the weight of winter ice ruin the putting greens at three suburban Detroit golf clubs?

That tricky issue was posed to jurors in federal court, who ruled in favor of the clubs last week in a dispute with insurance companies.

The winter of 2013-14 was a rough one for Bloomfield Hills Country Club, Birmingham Country Club and Pine Trace Golf Club. Their greens were seriously damaged by a lack of oxygen and a buildup of toxic gas.

The golf clubs blamed the damage on the weight of the ice, but their insurers disagreed and declined to pay. The jury agreed with the clubs—and the insurance companies could be on the hook for a total of $1 million.