Have you ever hit an errant drive that was headed for a house? The first thing that pops into your mind is; “Crap, I hope it doesn’t break a window.” But have you ever thought about the consequences of that?
I mean, we know it’s not a good thing to break a window, but I think our major concern (at least at the moment the ball is careening toward a large picture window of a million-dollar home) is: “How much is this going to cost me?”
Now consider this: What if it costs you your life?
Well, that was the scenario running through one particular golfer’s mind after breaking the window of a home on the 16th hole of Lakeridge Golf Course in Nevada. Perhaps you’ve heard this story already: The golfer (who has remained unidentified) was dropping a ball in bounds (apparently aware that his ball was lost, but unaware that it had broken a window of the home next to him) when the homeowner, Jeff Fleming of Reno, came outside with his shotgun.
Fleming proceeded to fire-off a round at the unassuming player, who then scrambled back to his cart and once there, realized he had been hit in the arm and leg with a few shotgun pellets. Meanwhile, Fleming has plead guilty and faces up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. You can read the full story on ESPN.
I recently posted about how to start a fight on the golf course, but this takes it to a whole new level. I can’t tell you how many times I thought my slice or hook was going to shatter a window – fortunately, my errant shot has always missed the glass. I guess it’s a good thing – talk about hazards on the course!
Think about how freaked out the golfer who was shot must have been – he ran so fast back to his cart that he didn’t even realize immediately that he was wounded! From now on, anytime there are homes lining the fairway, I am going to remind my golf buddies about this story.
Obviously this was a freak incident, but psychos are out there (and apparently living in luxury on golf course properties). Stinky golfers be warned – if you’re about to tee off and there’s a row of gorgeous houses along the fairway, perhaps use an iron instead of the driver.
As an Architect for Builders, we’ve had discussions about using the new laminated Hurricane/Storm-rated windows for some windows in the most jeopardy. At-least those facing the nearby Tee-box and behind the Green…each hole is different. They might crack and need replacing-soon…but they won’t explode or shatter, and leave the house open and vulnerable.
Various states have different rules about windows and golf balls. Some consider living there as at-your-own-risk, and your insurance covers the expense of repairs. You knew the course was there and you take your chances…
Others place the entire burden on the golfer.