[villagetinker]

Originally Posted by ElDiabloJoe

I broke a window on a house while hitting down a fairway a couple of years ago. Knocking on the door went unanswered. Left my name and number with a neighbor. Eventually agreed to go 50-50 with the homeowner on the window repair.

During my research during that time, I learned states vary, but most states go by two rules:

1. If your house was there first, and then the golf course came, they are responsible for damage players cause to your house. However;

2. If you knowingly built or bought on a golf course that was already there or disclosed to be coming, then you assumed the risk of golf ball damage when you purchased, players are not held responsible for the damage they cause to your home.

My opinion however, is that if my ball caused damage to your house because I could not keep it on the fairway, then I am at least partially (and likely wholly) responsible. Just because you cannot hold me legally liable does not trump my moral obligation. Others and their opinions will vary, of course.

Fortunately, my balls tend to find water, sand and occasionally rocks, so I have not had the experience of hitting a house, I have ended up on their lawn and I then abandon the ball, but I would also try to settle if I caused any damage.