This Homeowner Is Sick and Tired of Errant Golf Ball Damage

Golf is a game governed by rules. There are rules for scoring points and for hitting your ball. Most importantly, there are rules for how to interact with others on the course. However, rules regarding accidents are rarely discussed. Golf is no stranger to errant balls that cause property and personal damage. Many people face the unfortunate situation of causing errant golf ball damage. Yet, few can confidently say they know who is liable for the damages.

Homeowner Yells at Golfers in Viral Outburst

The viral clip above shows how errant golf ball damage can cause confusion and conflict. In the video, a man holds a golf club, identifying as a local homeowner. He begins cursing and yelling at the golfers who are filming. Among his slurry of insults, he exclaims that the golfers broke his window and that they owe him $681. The conversation continues further. In the exchange, it becomes clear that the man’s house is considerably far away from the course, meaning he never expected any balls to come flying through his windows. 

Are there any rules that dictate who’s responsible for errant golf ball damage? How do courses mitigate and handle these issues? 

Ugo Lord’s Analysis

Viral TikTok attorney Ugo Lord highlights a few important analysis points related to the video. Based on the information the golfer provides, he likely lives on private property that doesn’t fall within the bounds of the golf course. It would be the golfer’s responsibility to practice due care in preventing damage or injuries. With the limited facts given in the video, the golfer would likely be responsible for his errant golf ball damage. 

While golf accidents like this may seem straightforward, it isn’t always this simple. Some homeowners may live within the golf course, some courses may have special assumptions of risk signage, and some golfers may simply try to avoid paying for their accidents. 

Who is Responsible For Errant Golf Ball Damage? 

The answer to who is responsible for errant golf ball damage can differ based on multiple factors. The damage type, location, jurisdiction where the damage occurred, and the rules of the individual golf course can all impact who has liability. 

Damage to Private Residences

Damage to private residences usually holds the golfer liable. Since these residences are private, they don’t connect to a specific golf course. Moreover, most private residences sit away from high-traffic golf areas, so residents don’t expect balls to fly toward their homes.

As discussed, the golfer must exercise care and consideration when making swings. This means following what a reasonable golfer would do to prevent errant golf ball damage. Any deviation from this, even if accidental, will likely fall upon the golfer. 

Houses Situated on the Course

Not all homeowners are lucky enough to be away from a golf course. Some homes are next to holes or even in line with driving boxes. These houses are often viewed with an “I was here first” rule. In other words, anyone who built the home or moved into a home after there had already been a course assumes the liability of errant golf ball damage. 

Assumption of risk like this can apply to many things, such as baseball games, gyms, and even zoos. 

As unfortunate as it is, this means most people living next to courses have little or no recourse to get help paying for damages to their homes. For this reason, many homes near courses have protective netting or fences to prevent errant golf ball damage. Some homeowners have gone as far as to install bulletproof glass in their windows that face tee boxes. 

Golf Course Liability 

You may ask yourself, “Do golf courses ever hold liability?” Courses can hold liability, although many take extreme action to prevent it. 

If you have ever been golfing, you may have noticed signage on your carts, scorecards, or even at the front office. Much of this signage warns golfers that any damage they cause, whether with carts, clubs, or balls, is their responsibility. 

Some courses will take steps to design holes and implement safety devices to protect from errant golf ball damage. Others may even chip in for damage caused by their course. Don’t expect all courses to be that lenient, as most will try to evade paying for damages their players cause. 

What Should You Do If You Experience Errant Golf Ball Damage? 

As you can probably tell by now, errant golf ball damage can be an extremely complex issue to resolve. Some courses may help out; others may look the other way. Likewise, tracking down the players who are responsible can be nearly impossible. Due to these unfortunate facts, most homeowners are left to pay for the damages on their own. 

If you experience errant golf ball damage and want to seek compensation, you should complain about the course itself. Likewise, if you watch it happen and can get in touch with the responsible golfer, you may want to ask them politely if they can help pay. Vise versa, if you are a golfer who is responsible for damage, common etiquette rules suggest you reach out to the homeowner or golf course. 

If none of these avenues can help you, you may want to open a legal case with a professional. If you live on private property or can prove that the damage resulted from poor course design or player negligence, you may have a strong case.