Real-World Injuries

Injuries from errant golf balls are unpredictable, especially for people who are not golfers.

Victims have included:

• A landscaper and a roofing contractor working on site

• A child in a stroller

• Children playing at a daycare

• A doctor reading a book

• A mother standing near a pool

Common Issues Homeowners Face

Trying to get a golf course to address errant golf balls can be stressful and frustrating.

 

Common responses from golf courses include:

• “Nothing can be done.”

• “We are not responsible.”

• “It’s the golfer’s fault.”

• “You chose to live next to a golf course.”

Some homeowners feel pressured to sell their home because of ongoing safety concerns.

Unfortunately, these homes often lose value compared to nearby properties that are not at risk.

 

Many owners spend their own money on:

• Trees and landscaping

• Fences or nets

• Other protective measures

Without cooperation from the golf course, these efforts may not solve the problem.

Across the U.S., millions of homeowners and residential communities near golf courses and driving ranges

deal with golf balls hitting their homes, cars, pets, and family members—sometimes causing serious injury or death.

When Legal Action Becomes Necessary

Living near a golf course does not always mean homeowners must accept the risk.

Courts often rule in favor of homeowners when:

• Conditions have changed over time

• The danger is unreasonable

• The property can no longer be safely used or enjoyed

In these situations, homeowners may need to pursue legal action or an injunction.

Why Expert Help Matters

To succeed, homeowners must show that the danger is:

• Foreseeable (it can be predicted)

• Preventable (the golf course could reduce the risk)
   

Most attorneys do not have specialized knowledge of:

• Golf course design

• Golf ball flight patterns

• Industry safety standards

That’s why an independent safety expert is often essential—both before going to court and during a trial.