My visitor’s damaged car windshield.

I need to provide context for this website, and explain why I’ve been pushed into taking action, both in launching this website, and launching legal action in trying to get this resolved. 

I live near the intersection of 1600 W and Cove View Rd., tight along the right side of the par-5, 11th hole fairway of Cove View Golf Course. When I bought the house 8 years ago, errant golf balls were not as big of a problem as they are now. Had I known that would become a problem, I never would have bought the house. I’m not a golfer and know nothing about golf etiquette. The house suited my needs as far as solid construction and garage space.

I have been subjected to the constant barrage of golf balls pelting me (yes I’ve been hit by errant balls while at home), my house, my cars, my property, and my guests. 

Cars have been damaged, my ATVs have been damaged, my house has been hit numerous times and my garage doors bear the marks of many dings from golf balls striking them over the years. 

I thought this home would be a place of respite. It is anything but that. I don’t even like inviting guests over for fear of their vehicles being damaged from balls that are sliced into my driveway. 

The totally inappropriate text my guest — whose windshield was smashed — received from a man named Gary Graham, the guy who hit a golf ball into it. (Edited to downplay the cursing language.)

One recent guest, who many in town know well, had his windshield smashed and then had to suffer the indignity of the person who did it cursing at him in texts about getting his windshield replaced. 

It’s got to stop. My close friends and family don’t even like coming to my house because of the fear of flying golf balls. One close friend said recently, “It’s nerve-wracking and not even restful there anymore. You can hear golf balls hitting the house all day long.” 

Not only that, but the drunken, belligerent golfers seem to think they’re entitled to give me a piece of their minds when a sliced golf ball lands in my yard and they come looking for it. It can get ugly. 

So this is it. I’ve tried to work with the city’s leadership, including current Richfield Mayor Bryan Burrows; the course’s PGA pro, Todd Mullen; and various other officials and representatives for years, and nothing has worked. 

This isn’t the first time that a golf course (and the PGA) has been sued to recover damages from this sort of thing, and unfortunately, it won’t be the last. 

But they’re going to hear from me now. And I’m not going to give up until I have my property secured and my peace of mind set at ease.