Golf and Bankruptcy: Challenges, Debts, and Legal Implications

Thank you for visiting my blog. Today’s blog post and video focus on the issue of golf and bankruptcy.

This video can be seen on my YouTube channel or at the bottom of this blog post.

Like Rudy Giuliani, I’m a member of a golf club. In Guiliani’s bankruptcy, he listed his club membership as a debt since he is past due on his membership fees. That debt is considered unsecured debt.

But another issue with golf and bankruptcy is that golf clubs are an asset that needs to be listed on the bankruptcy petition. If not, those are red flags for the bankruptcy trustee.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, Golf, and the Disappearing Tee Time

Let’s say you file for Chapter 7. If your monthly expenses show you are spending $500 on golf, the trustee will likely object. Why? Because if you stop golfing, that frees up $500 a month you can use to repay creditors. This objection might force you into a Chapter 13 plan.

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy:  Kiss Goodbye to Weekend Golf

Chapter 13 isn’t much better. Here, the trustee might object based on your golf membership being a luxury, not a necessity. So, no more golf; those $500 go towards your repayment plan. You could argue that golf is therapy (maybe cheaper than real therapy!), but the judge might chuckle and deny it.

Bank Statements:  The Truth Is Out There

When filing for bankruptcy, trustees demand specific documents. Bank statements are key. Here’s where things can get messy for golfers.

Imagine the trustee sees frequent golf-related debits in your account. Not only could they object, but failing to list your clubs would be a bigger problem.

I always review client statements. Once, a couple claimed they ate out a lot because they got home late. However, the wife was home by 4 PM and the husband by 5 PM. Frequent hotel and theme park charges didn’t help their case. These unnecessary expenses forced us to delay their filing until their spending habits changed.

The Final Drive

While I’d love to delve deeper into golf and bankruptcy, the driving range is calling! Remember, this is just information – for legal advice, consult with a local attorney.

Additional blog content is available below:

• Bankruptcy
• Your Wallet

Colleges and universities can purchase my bankruptcy law textbook directly from Routledge Publishing. For paralegals and students buying single copies, you can do so via Amazon books. To access my YouTube channel, click this link. Prior archives can be accessed via this link.

Updated on March 9, 2025.