Settlement reached over one-eyed golfer

A SETTLEMENT for the golfer that lost an eye playing at Niddry Castle Golf Club has been reached.

In 2007, One of Anthony Phee's eyes was removed after James Gordon's stray golf ball struck him, leading to a full investigation and in 2011 Mr Phee was awarded £400,000, with Mr Gordon paying £280,000 of the sum.

The golf club, which initially had to pay a £120,000 of the fee, then appealed but to its surprise the court increased the compensation by a further £200,000 which reduced Mr Gordon's liability to £80,000.

A joint settlement has now been agreed after warnings the saga could continue for a number of years, and as a result the Scottish Golf Union and Golf Union of Wales issued a warning to all clubs.

A statement from the two golf bodies said: "This decision makes it imperative that clubs give greater attention to general health and safety procedures, in particular the area of course hazards, and the insurance you have in place at your club.

"The court found the club’s failure to warn was a significant failure and was of a greater magnitude than that of Mr Gordon."

Following the statement from the governing bodies, local golf clubs have re-structured their safety procedures.

David Moir, secretary of Cathkin Braes Golf Club, said his club has carried out more risk assessments however admitted that: “The wee white ball is easily hit poorly and travels in a direction which it is not intended on many occasions”.

But, “The more warning signs the better the chance of all members, guests and walkers on the course will be aware of the need for vigilance,” he said.