Masters badge wording absolve Augusta National from liability

AUGUSTA, Ga. — A trio of trees came crashing to the ground at Augusta National Golf Club on Friday during the second round at the 2023 Masters.

Fortunately, no injuries have been reported, as patrons were lucky enough to hear the crack and scatter before the three massive trunks fell to the ground.

But even if a patron were to be injured, the club attempts to absolve itself from any liability, thanks to the small print on the back of the badges all attendees must wear. It’s not dissimilar to wording often on the back of tickets for other events, but the language on the badges makes it clear, Augusta National does not assume liability.

As per the badge:

The 2023 Masters Golf Tournament Credentials Agreement (“Agreement”) is available at Tickets.Masters.com/ Agreement and is incorporated herein by reference as if fully stated. By accepting a badge, ticket or credential (collectively, “Ticket”) to the Masters Golf Tournament or practice rounds (the “Tournament”), the purchaser, holder(s) and user(s) of a Ticket (collectively “Holder”) agree to be bound by each of the terms and conditions on this Ticket, and in the Agreement, whether or not restated herein. In the event of any discrepancy between the terms on this Ticket and those in the Agreement, the Agreement shall control. …

By entering onto the grounds of ANI, Holder agrees to assume all risk and danger arising from attendance, including risks associated with COVID-19. Holder releases and holds harmless ANI, its affiliates, directors, officers, employees, volunteers, agents and all Tournament officials and participants, from any claims of liability, including claims based on their alleged negligence, arising from the Agreement or Holder’s attendance at the Tournament, all as set forth in the Agreement.

So is Augusta National open to damages in the case of a tree falling? That depends. Injured plaintiffs can bring a claim against a golf course based on negligence or product liability, but in this case, a random set of trees falling to the ground in inclement weather likely wouldn’t constitute negligence. The course is known as one of the most immaculate in the world.

If, however, play was to resume after such an incident, and another tree was to fall on a patron, that could change the liability issue.

And that’s not the only blurb patrons in attendance need to understand. Also, electronic devices are famously prohibited.

The Ticket is a limited license, which may be revoked…