Golf Accident on Course?

Question

I was hitting balls at a driving range in Columbia, MD. There was a commercial truck parked on the course down and to the right of my position on the tee. I hit a golf ball and the ball sliced and hit the trucks windshiel and shattered it. Clearly, this was not intentional, I was not drinking, I just hit the ball and I am in the process of learning how to play (I have a long way to go!).

Anyway, my question is this for those that have seen this situation before: who is at fault here? I would assume it is not me but the golf course says I am. Obviously, if I knew how to hit the ball straight I would not be at a driving range, nor should the vehicle be on the course without assuming some risk. Please help.

Thank you in advance

Answer 1

sorry, to hear that. its your responsibility even thou you wasn't trying to hit the truck.

Silver Spring, Md

Answer 2

100% your fault...Golfers are responsible for the own golf balls, despite where they may land.....

Answer 3

Every course and range maintains golfers are responsible for any damage they cause. It’s just a fact every golfer should know!

If you slice a ball out of bounds and break a window in a house, YOU are responsible.

If you hit another golfer at the range YOU are responsible.

Bottom line is, YOU are responsible for the damage to the truck!

Be a gentleman, pay up, and start playing tennis.

Answer 4

The golf club should have insurance to cover any accidents or they should have put up fences to preent this happening.

unless the truck was parked in a bad place where it could be easily hit

Answer 5

A lawyer once told me it was the responsibility of the truck driver. Whether that is true or not, I can't say. He basically said if you are driving on or near a golf course, you should expect golf balls to fly at you.

Answer 6

The bad news is the general rule is that golfers are responsible for any damage they cause.  The good news is if you have homeowners insurance, it will cover it.

Answer 7

The bad news is, you are at fault.  The good news is, many homeowner's policies cover this.  If you have homeowner's insurance, check into it and see if they will pay.

Answer 8

I would consult with a lawyer, because I believe the golf course is responsible for damage and injuries.  So courses, in Maryland, will not allow guest on the course or driving range because they are not covered by the clubs insurance.  I have also been to courses that have signs posted that golfers are responsible damages.  I don't think you will find the correct answer here, only from a lawyer.

Good luck!

Answer 9

Golfers are responsible for all errant shots. It is not the fault of the truck driver, unless perhaps they were parked right  in the middle of the driving range.

As much as you don't want to hear it, you need to pay for the windshield.

You can also fix your slice buy not trying to over power the ball, especially when you are just learning the game. Make sure your swing plane is following the line of the ball's flight path. If you swing from your inside to the outside then the ball will naturally want to follow that line, to the right.

There are a couple of other causes for a slice. Not keeping your left elbow close to your side or not extending your right arm enough in your downswing. Also your grip can cause a slice. With all of that said, just remember that if the ball is going to the right it means that your club face is not square at the time of impact. Instead it is opened up which causes the ball to either go to the right or curve to the right.

Slow down your swing and take a shorter back swing until you can hit the ball straight. Don't worry about distance. That will come with time.