who responsible for any damages on a golf course

by Ms. Josie Barton MD 9 min read

The big question is who's liable to pay for those damages: the homeowner, the golf course or neither. It's called “errant golf ball liability” when a stray golf ball hits someone's window or causes other damages unintentionally, WMBF reported.Aug 18, 2020

Who is responsible for personal property damage caused by golfers?

The law varies from state to state and often on a case by case basis. Some courts believe that the golfer is always responsible for any damage he/she causes to personal property while golfing.

Is a golf course at fault for damages to my property?

Additionally, homeowner’s insurance may handle the damage. In some cases it can be a combination of the two. There is a third possibility; the golf course itself could be at fault. In some cases, homeowners have brought suit against golf courses and won.

Who is liable for golf ball damage to a golf course?

Generally speaking, the golf club, the builder, and the course designer are usually protected from liability from golf ball damage in the same documents described above.

Should golfers be held responsible for their actions on the course?

She has grown accustomed to the sounds of golf balls hitting her building and now her window. “Golfers should be responsible for the actions, but the golf course should be held accountable, as well,” she said.

Are golfers liable for damage?

There is clear California case law on these points of law. However, if the golfer intentionally or recklessly hits a ball at a home/car, then the golfer may be responsible.

Who is liable for a broken window on a golf course?

A: Living on a golf course means living with golf balls. While the golfer who broke your window should own up and take responsibility, she is not legally responsible for the damage if she was otherwise playing normally.

Who is responsible for taking care of a golf course?

A golf superintendent is the one who is responsible for the routine maintenance and management of a golf course and golf facilities.

Who is responsible for an errant golf shot?

You may also have a claim against the driver of the errant golf ball. The courts have generally held that the driver of a golf ball is charged with the duty to exercise ordinary care for the safety of property and persons reasonably within the “range of danger.”

Does homeowners insurance cover broken windows from golf balls?

Am I Responsible for Covering Any Damage Caused by the Golf Ball? Technically it would be your homeowners insurance company that's responsible for covering the damage. According to insurance expert Paul Martin, it would only be your responsibility to cover the cost of your policy's deductible out of your own pocket.

Does insurance cover golf ball damage?

“Since damage from golf balls is incredibly common, you have a few options, including coverage through your Progressive policy. If you were parked on the golf course's property, they may cover the damage. Some golf courses have liability insurance in place to help protect patron's property from damage.

What do groundskeepers do at golf courses?

Golf course groundskeepers work with the course managers and professional landscapers to grow healthy grass and reseed and repair damaged grass. They use a variety of machinery to mow the grass to the required heights and eliminate weeds. They also apply pesticides to prevent bugs and weeds from growing in the grass.

What are golf course workers called?

PGA teaching professionals are sometimes called assistants and work underneath the head pro. Many of them teach, work in the golf shop and coordinate golf course events and tournaments. These staffers are many times certified PGA professionals or in the PGA apprentice program.

What does a golf course supervisor do?

A golf course superintendent manages and directs the maintenance, management and operation of golf courses. They conduct routine inspection of equipment and vehicles to ensure productivity and safety of the facility.

Are golfers liable?

After researching the topic, I came to a fairly clear legal conclusion: A golfer is generally not liable for injuries or damages due to an errant shot by the golfer, except in situations in which the golfer is negligent, reckless, or acting with intent.

Who is responsible for damage caused by a golf ball in Florida?

Who is Liable if a Golf Ball Causes Damage? Another general concern is damage that may be done by errant golf balls. Generally speaking, the golf club, the builder, and the course designer are usually protected from liability from golf ball damage in the same documents described above.

Are golfers responsible for broken windows in Arizona?

In short, if your errant golf ball breaks a window or hits a noggin or dings a car, it's your responsibility and it's up to you to do the right thing, such as hoping nobody was home or gesticulating wildly at your partner to indicate it was his/her fault.

Frequently Asked Question

If you have hit the house unintentionally, the homeowner can consult with the insurance to handle the damage. In some cases, it could be a mutual approach from both you and the victim. But in case the victim proves a reckless or intentional hit, you’ll have to bear the damages.

Wrapping Up

And after going through several cases, possibilities and factors, I feel like usually, it’s the victim facing the damage who needs to sort things out. Having enough proof against the golfer or the course can help in winning some compensation. But usually, the thing is pretty trick.

Golfers or Golf Balls Trespassing on Florida Property

A person who enters another person's property without permission is trespassing. Trespass is one of the oldest civil law claims. In order to claim a trespass, you must have warned the trespasser and asked them to stop, and there cannot be a valid reason for the trespasser's presence.

Exceptions to Trespassing Laws in Florida

Entry onto land without the owner's express consent or invitation might be permissible under certain circumstances. Emergencies are one of these circumstances.

Florida Property Law and Golfers

Under Florida property and real estate laws, golf course communities almost always have a section in their deed restrictions, easements, and covenants that allow golfers to retrieve their errant balls on residents’ properties.

Who is Liable if a Golf Ball Causes Damage?

Another general concern is damage that may be done by errant golf balls. Generally speaking, the golf club, the builder, and the course designer are usually protected from liability from golf ball damage in the same documents described above.

More Resources

Marauding golfers and destructive balls are rare in most communities, but figuring out what law applies can be difficult. If a problem is severe, you can seek the advice of an experienced real estate attorney in Florida. Or you can find more general information on this topic in FindLaw’s real estate law and neighbor law sections.

What happens if you cut a dogleg in the wrong direction?

Essentially what this means is that if the player is not making sensible choices, such as teeing off in the wrong direction, purposefully aiming at a house or car, deciding to cut across a dogleg that puts personal property in jeopardy, then they should be liable for damages caused by their unreasonable actions.

Should homeowners insurance cover golfers?

To those that argue the homeowner’s insurance should cover the damage , the response is that homeowners pay a high premium on insurance to cover their property, not because they are responsible for the damage, but because getting a golfer to pay for the damage they cause is not always possible.

Can a golfer be liable for breaking glass?

While golfers might be liable for the damage, proving that an individual golfer was the cause of such damage can be very tricky. When the sound of breaking glass is heard, many players pick up their bag and hustle away to the next hole instead of knocking on the door and taking responsibility for their poor aim.

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