Legal: Golf ball hits car windshield, Who's Liable?

Question

So, I'm T'ing off at the local golf club, and I hook the sucka good which rips the ball through the woods and into an oncoming SUV smashing the windshield. The driver comes over and bla bla bla..

So in this situation, legally who would be responsible. Me, Golf Club? Just curious.. Thanks..

Answer 1

well if your any good you would be liable but you cant controle the ball a lot of the time. its an inanimant object that if hit fly's thrue the air in wich direction , the ball was hit on .

Answer 2

The club most likely has signs posted that say the individual golfers are responsible if their shots hit a vehicle.  If you're a member of the club, you'll find that in your member handbook.  If you aren't a member, you may find a similar statement on the credit card slip, on your score card, or on a plaque on the carts.  

Your homeowner's insurance may cover this.  I sincerely doubt that your club membership gives you any kind of insurance against damages caused by your shots - I used to work in the membership and accounting office of a golf club, and liability insurance like that to cover our members was outrageously expensive.  Someone mentioned that your handicap fee may include insurance.  Again, at the club where I worked, the expense of the insurance far outweighed what our members were willing to pay for a handicap fee, so it was never an option.  

If you're a member of the club, check with the head golf professional or the membership office to see if membership or handicap fees have any added insurance to cover damages.  If not, contact your insurance agent and see what the costs and consequences would be if you turned in the claim on your insurance.

Answer 3

You are responsible for all shots, errant or otherwise. You break something and you are responsible for fixing it or paying to have it fixed.

Just because someone is driving by the course does mean they take responsibility for bad shots.

The course is not responsible because your supposed to keep you shots on the course.

Answer 4

That actually made me laugh when I read it.

I have seen people hit cars and they always crack me up.

Well you are responsible for it.

If you dont have golf insuarance you could maybe ask someone else to try and cover it.

I dont pay for golf insuarance but I do have it with my handicap.

When you pay to be part of a club you get insurance for breakages, hole in ones etc along with your handicap.

Answer 5

You.  Why would the golf club be responsible for your hitting the ball on to the streets?

Answer 6

Since you said you were playing a local course, I'm assuming it wasn't a private club, in which case you are responsible for fixing the windshield.  Most private clubs have insurance included in the membership fees.  Public courses rarely have insurance.  It usually says somewhere on the scorecard that they are not responsible for damage done and that you play at your own risk.  If it doesn't say anything like that on the scorecard, ask the club pro and see what he has to say.  He could probably help you more than any of us here can.

Answer 7

the person who hit the golf ball....that mean you!!!