Homes under attack from golf balls

It’s a regular occurrence for residents living close to golf courses, that they find their peace – and often their greenhouses and conservatories, too - shattered by flying balls.

With insurance premiums also going through the roof, more and more house-owners are refusing to claim on their own home policy and instead claiming damages from course proprietors.

A daily barrage of mis-hit shots from Edwalton Golf course near Rushcliffe in Nottinghamshire has caused so much damage to property that insurers have already paid out £3,750.

Now Peter Willoughby-Smith(77), a former RAF pilot who knows a thing or two about missiles, and who lives next to the ninth fairway in Hallfields, is demanding £3,200 from Rushcliffe Borough Council to replace the roof of his conservatory.

He alleges up to five balls land in his garden every day and fears someone could be seriously injured if the problem isn’t sorted soon.

Already he has received £1,000 in damages from the council, but says the seven-foot fence they erected at the end of his garden is insufficient. Even the ninth tee has been moved four times.

Mr Willoughby-Smith also blames the quality of golfer being allowed on to the 10 year-old nine-hole course.

"There are so many idiots out on the course who cannot hit a ball properly and hook it into my garden. If nothing is done I'm worried someone is going to get killed."

Neighbours Jayne and Martin Jones, also feel they are prisoners in their own home and are scared to even hang out the washing.

Says Martin: "Our 17-month-old baby girl keeps asking if she can use the swing in the garden but we’re too frightened to go out there."

Another neighbour David Haslam received £250 compensation after being hit by a wayward tee shot.

Rushcliffe leisure facilities manager Brian Knowles claims the council has paid the English Golf Union to visit the course and suggest further improvements.

"We have been working with the residents for a number of years," he says, "now the EGU might have the answer to how we can improve existing measures."

Sounds like a visit from an EGU coach might be more appropriate.

What do you think? Have you had a similar experience or been injured on a golf course? If so tell us about it on The Forum.