Out of bounds etiquette

[Papa_lecki]

What is the etiquette if you hit a ball “out of bounds” and it lands in someone’s yard? do you leave it or go and grab it? Is having some random balls getting picked up from your yard part of the price of living on the golf course?

[billethkid]

For many.....if they can see it they go get it.

We play it as a lost ball.

[bagboy]

It seems to be legal in most golf course communities for a golfer to retrieve a wayward golf shot

Golf Ball Hazards In Florida: Legal Overview - FindLaw (https://statelaws.findlaw.com/florida-law/golf-ball-hazards-in-florida-legal-overview.html)

[biker1]

The Villages' golf guidelines indicate that you should not go on someone's property.

What is the etiquette if you hit a ball “out of bounds” and it lands in someone’s yard? do you leave it or go and grab it? Is having some random balls getting picked up from your yard part of the price of living on the golf course?

[rustyp]

It seems to be legal in most golf course communities for a golfer to retrieve a wayward golf shot

Golf Ball Hazards In Florida: Legal Overview - FindLaw (https://statelaws.findlaw.com/florida-law/golf-ball-hazards-in-florida-legal-overview.html)


Per your attachment "Under Florida property and real estate laws, golf course communities almost always have a section in their deed restrictions, easements, and covenants that allow golfers to retrieve their errant balls on residents’ properties. "

I have read my property deed stem to stern and did not see any clause about golf balls. I don't care if a golfer comes on my property to retrieve a golf ball but you always have someone that goes beyond common sense. I have had golfers hack away in my landscaping searching for a ball. Then there are those that pretend they are not OB and hit from your yard. I'm not fond of the divot after all that TLC I put into the most expensive stuff they call grass down here. I am lucky since my house sits on the left side of a fairway on a very long par 4. Most golfers slice thus right side houses get the brunt plus many golfers take three strokes to reach the green on my hole thus the last shot is a short chip and usually at the green not my house. I have had one broken window and the golfer manned up and came over and offered to pay. I told him that was not necessary or required but was impressed by his ethics.

[ohiosbestus]

Golf balls should not be picked up out of another persons yard. It also says if you break another persons window the golfer is not responsible for it. If you do go into another persons property you are actually trespassing. I also think about 99% of the people dont care if you come into their yard to get your golf ball but dont hit it out of their yard.

[bagboy]

Per your attachment "Under Florida property and real estate laws, golf course communities almost always have a section in their deed restrictions, easements, and covenants that allow golfers to retrieve their errant balls on residents’ properties. "

I have read my property deed stem to stern and did not see any clause about golf balls. I don't care if a golfer comes on my property to retrieve a golf ball but you always have someone that goes beyond common sense. I have had golfers hack away in my landscaping searching for a ball. Then there are those that pretend they are not OB and hit from your yard. I'm not fond of the divot after all that TLC I put into the most expensive stuff they call grass down here. I am lucky since my house sits on the left side of a fairway on a very long par 4. Most golfers slice thus right side houses get the brunt plus many golfers take three strokes to reach the green on my hole thus the last shot is a short chip and usually at the green not my house. I have had one broken window and the golfer manned up and came over and offered to pay. I told him that was not necessary or required but was impressed by his ethics.

Personally, I do not go into a private yard to retrieve a golf ball. We retired to South Carolina several years ago. I worked at a golf club for over a decade, and we lived in a different country club community for 7 years, off course by choice. I've seen just about everything, good and bad.
I don't doubt that this issue isn't addressed in your deed restrictions, but it should be in my opinion. But, I doubt this issue fell through the cracks at the developers office. They must have a reason to omit it.

[retiredguy123]

My shots always go down the center of the fairway.

So, this is a non-issue.

[John_W]

I remember last time someone asked this same question. A couple of posters said, I hope you go get your ball, I don't want to run over it with my lawn mower.

[Art cov]

I used to live on a golf bombing range up north! Lol The home I owned was on #15 and a disaster for flying balls. The only safe place on the property was in the house/garage. I was well aware when I purchased, that balls we’re going to be a problem and golfers were going to be traipsing through my property. I do mean every inch and on porches. All owners in danger areas were aware. Boundary was 35’ from back porch. Only things that bothered me was golf carts on my property, not being considerate for leaving wrappers or garbage, walking in my plant beds for their balls, taking the balls they found that other’s didn’t retrieve (I thought I should at least get the balls that the swingers left) 5 years I lived there and gathered quite a collection, oh and the language at times was horrendous. But a lot of entertaining moments as the lovers and the fighters had no idea someone was in the area. Be courteous and respectful of home owners and usually they will be nice also. I sold the home and left with several 5 gal buckets of balls. My reward! Never again will I own in direct path of flying balls

[CFrance]

It seems to be legal in most golf course communities for a golfer to retrieve a wayward golf shot

Golf Ball Hazards In Florida: Legal Overview - FindLaw (https://statelaws.findlaw.com/florida-law/golf-ball-hazards-in-florida-legal-overview.html)

The Villages' golf guidelines indicate that you should not go on someone's property.
I've heard the FL law one before. I've also heard that in signing at closing you are agreeing to golfers coming on to your property. Noe it seems that TV doesn't allow it. I wonder which of these three takes precedence.



Can TV rules override FL law?

[Mortal1]

If you base your action and answer based on consideration alone you'd leave the ball. The RULE within the Villages is that if a ball goes into someones yard you leave it...now if the person is within earshot/view you can always ask them if you can retrieve it.

All other comments are based on personal preference, the need to think you're humorous, hearsay or what the rules are elsewhere.

[dewilson58]

What is the etiquette if you hit a ball “out of bounds” and it lands in someone’s yard? do you leave it or go and grab it? Is having some random balls getting picked up from your yard part of the price of living on the golf course?
Jus go grab it if it's a few feet in.
99% of Villagers don't care.
The 1%'rs will let you know IF they are home.
:coolsmiley:

[Marathon Man]

I've heard the FL law one before. I've also heard that in signing at closing you are agreeing to golfers coming on to your property. Noe it seems that TV doesn't allow it. I wonder which of these three takes precedence.



Can TV rules override FL law?

Reading the legal summary provided, there is no law that allows golfers to trespass. And, since TV has consistantly told golfers that they should not trespass, it must not be in any signed agreements that property owners must allow golfers to enter their property.

Lots of things are said and then repeated so many times that it becomes "true", even though it is not.

[John_W]

Jus go grab it if it's a few feet in.
99% of Villagers don't care.
The 1%'rs will let you know IF they are home.
:coolsmiley:

About five years ago playing Tally Ho, that's the nine across from the Glenview Club House. We were on the 9th hole, that's the hole with a huge oak tree right in the middle of the fairway about 210 yards from the white tees. We moved up to our drives and one of the players was in in the left rough and we were looking for his ball. The rough is not very wide before you reach the homes, which is built in trouble since the oak tree eliminates the middle of the fairway.

We didn't even talk to the homeowner or go in his yard, but this guy comes out and said. I just spent $10,000 for this birdcage and you all better not hit it. Well, if were going hit it, we would of hit it back when were on the tee. The guy obviously should of not have bought a home on the golf course if he's going to be standing out there yelling at every golfer to go by. Anyway, I've played it about 15 times since and never seen him again.

[Mel6054]

What does “OB” mean? ������

[golfing eagles]

What does “OB” mean? ������

Here's a hint------look at the title of this thread:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Miriam2940]

If you go onto someone’s property to get a golf ball you are trespassing. Rules are: don’t go onto someone else’s property, ball is lost, take the penalty.

[swooner]

What is the etiquette if you hit a ball “out of bounds” and it lands in someone’s yard? do you leave it or go and grab it? Is having some random balls getting picked up from your yard part of the price of living on the golf course?
If you're bad enough to hit it into a yard then you deserve to lose the ball. Also, depends if the owner has a shotgun.

[golfing eagles]

If you go onto someone’s property to get a golf ball you are trespassing. Rules are: don’t go onto someone else’s property, ball is lost, take the penalty.

Technically not lost, it's already OB. Choices are go back to the tee hitting 3 or drop it within 1 club length of the rough on the fairway at an equidistant point, hitting 4

[thevillages2013]

If I can see it I am going to get it. It’s my ball. I paid for it and paid good money to play on the grass next to your grass! 😀

[golfing eagles]

If I can see it I am going to get it. It’s my ball. I paid for it and paid good money to play on the grass next to your grass! 😀

But the homeowner paid more for his grass (and maintenance thereof) than you did for your golf ball.

[Cheapbas]

If it’s a Titleist pro-v or AVC, I’m going in.

[noslices1]

My shots always go down the center of the fairway.

So, this is a non-issue.

When you only hit the ball 20-30 yards, it almost always stays in the fairway.

[Oneiric]

Removing/retrieving a lost ball should be the same whether the homeowner has to walk on the same turf to lift the ball or the golfer, as long as you show total respect for the plants and shrubs, I don't see why there should be a problem.

[Oneiric]

Where one should not "play" his next shot. It has nothing to do with retrieving something. In some major tournaments, O.B. may be another fairway on the same golf course.

[pvetrano1]

What is the etiquette if you hit a ball “out of bounds” and it lands in someone’s yard? do you leave it or go and grab it? Is having some random balls getting picked up from your yard part of the price of living on the golf course?

I live on a golf course. I really dont care if a golfer walks on my lawn to get his golf ball. What's the big deal ?

[dewilson58]

About five years ago playing Tally Ho, that's the nine across from the Glenview Club House. We were on the 9th hole, that's the hole with a huge oak tree right in the middle of the fairway about 210 yards from the white tees. We moved up to our drives and one of the players was in in the left rough and we were looking for his ball. The rough is not very wide before you reach the homes, which is built in trouble since the oak tree eliminates the middle of the fairway.

We didn't even talk to the homeowner or go in his yard, but this guy comes out and said. I just spent $10,000 for this birdcage and you all better not hit it. Well, if were going hit it, we would of hit it back when were on the tee. The guy obviously should of not have bought a home on the golf course if he's going to be standing out there yelling at every golfer to go by. Anyway, I've played it about 15 times since and never seen him again.
Good example of the 1%'r.
Not happy with life.
Making a mountain out of an ant hill.


I like the "guy" on Bonifay that has a sign, "Please feel free to retrieve your ball".

[dewilson58]

When you only hit the ball 20-30 yards, it almost always stays in the fairway.
Ouch!!

[camaguey48]

I don't play golf and do not plan to learn. However, if I did and I hit the ball into someone's property, I would ask the property owner if I could retrieve the ball. If there's no one home, I'd leave it and take the penalty. That is called RESPECT! Something that is lacking more and more in society. It's just a ball, folks.

[Bay Kid]

One of the reasons I don't have a home on the golf course. Hard hat area.

[Girlcopper]

Golf balls should not be picked up out of another persons yard. It also says if you break another persons window the golfer is not responsible for it. If you do go into another persons property you are actually trespassing. I also think about 99% of the people dont care if you come into their yard to get your golf ball but dont hit it out of their yard.
This is the most accurate response posted

[Nick B]

My shots always go down the center of the fairway.

So, this is a non-issue.
I'm terrible at best but never hit a house.

[Bill1701]

If the ball is easily seen and I don't have to go over any plants, I will usually just go get it and bring it inbounds to hit. Otherwise it is a lost ball and by senior rules you have to take a drop inbounds. Losing a ball is considered penalty enough so you don't lose a shot.

[banjobob]

Common sense would be pick up the ball ,play it from the course.

[Regor]

I bet if your dog left something in those 1 percenters yards, they would want you to trespass and pick it up!

[merrymini]

Some golfers are too stupid for words. Most are alright. Hard to tell them apart until the moment they prove you right.

[richs631]

Just use common sense. If you see it and it’s close pick it up. If you have to look for it or it’s near the house, leave it

[mikeym]

Several years ago, a girlfriend of our hit her drive into a backyard while playing Terra. As she walked to retrieve her ball, the apparent owner of the house was standing over her ball and proclaimed that "the ball was on his property and now belonged to Him". Rather than confront him, she walked back to her cart, got another golf ball, and gave it to him saying "here, real men have two of these".

[camaguey48]

Several years ago, a girlfriend of our hit her drive into a backyard while playing Terra. As she walked to retrieve her ball, the apparent owner of the house was standing over her ball and proclaimed that "the ball was on his property and now belonged to Him". Rather than confront him, she walked back to her cart, got another golf ball, and gave it to him saying "here, real men have two of these".
Ouch!! That's gonna leave a mark.

[Bjeanj]

Golf balls should not be picked up out of another persons yard. It also says if you break another persons window the golfer is not responsible for it. If you do go into another persons property you are actually trespassing. I also think about 99% of the people dont care if you come into their yard to get your golf ball but dont hit it out of their yard.

This is my opinion: if the ball is on someone’s property and you can reach it with your club, then you should pull it out with your club (not hit it), then take the penalty.

If you break someone’s window, hold harmless or not, you should fess up and make a claim under your Homeowner’s insurance to pay for it.

That’s in the spirit of good sportsmanship, isn’t it?

[DaleDivine]

If one of the guys(including me) hits a ball into someone's yard we will try to get it with a ball retriever. If we can't reach it, the ball stays in the yard.
Playing at Bonifay, on Ft. Walton a person has a sign in their yard that says "Feel free to retrieve your golf ball". Nice. On the other hand playing Bogart executive par 4 hole, if you slice into yards there are signs in several yards that say "KEEP OUT". And they will yell at
golfers who try to get their golf balls.
:popcorn::popcorn::popcorn:

[Nell57]

I've heard the FL law one before. I've also heard that in signing at closing you are agreeing to golfers coming on to your property. Noe it seems that TV doesn't allow it. I wonder which of these three takes precedence.



Can TV rules override FL law?


The fact that you “heard” that in signing at closing you are agreeing to golfers coming on your property is completely wrong.
I live on a golf course and that is not done on closing.
The poster who stated that this is trespassing is correct.
That being said, I am also a golfer who occasionally hits a ball in someone’s yard.,
If it’s close and clearly visible I’ll go pick it up. Most property owners feel the same way.
What we resent is golfers who walk in our flower beds, dig through our bushes and walk on our patios.
You wouldn’t want a neighbor doing that in your landscaping ...don’t do it over some dumb little ball you can’t hit straight.

[EviesGP]

If one of the guys(including me) hits a ball into someone's yard we will try to get it with a ball retriever. If we can't reach it, the ball stays in the yard.
Playing at Bonifay, on Ft. Walton a person has a sign in their yard that says "Feel free to retrieve your golf ball". Nice. On the other hand playing Bogart executive par 4 hole, if you slice into yards there are signs in several yards that say "KEEP OUT". And they will yell at
golfers who try to get their golf balls.
:popcorn::popcorn::popcorn:

That's funny(NOT). Speaking of the One Percenters(and Bonifay), I've played there with my Weds group, and there is a guy on one of their courses(it escapes me which one, but I think it's Pensacola?), and his backyard is full of cameras?! I've never met him, but the guys say he's a real jerk?! He comes out and yells at people, if they get anywhere near his line. You'll know it when you drive by it(he's on the left). FORE!!!

[toeser]

Golf balls should not be picked up out of another persons yard. It also says if you break another persons window the golfer is not responsible for it. If you do go into another persons property you are actually trespassing. I also think about 99% of the people dont care if you come into their yard to get your golf ball but dont hit it out of their yard.

I do not care if a golfer comes into my yard to pick up a ball. I certainly do care that he/she pays for a broken window.

[OhioBuckeye]

Golf balls should not be picked up out of another persons yard. It also says if you break another persons window the golfer is not responsible for it. If you do go into another persons property you are actually trespassing. I also think about 99% of the people dont care if you come into their yard to get your golf ball but dont hit it out of their yard.

I agree with you about breaking a window. People that buy homes on G.C. know they could get a window broke out. Do they think, “Oh good I can get that bad window fixed for FREE if someone puts a golf ball through it”. It’s alright for the home owner to think he can make someone pay for a window but you can’t get your ball even if it’s on the property line. I’ve golf courses where people will have a bucket full of balls & they’ll say help yourself. If people don’t want to get a window knocked out, “Don’t buy a home on the Golf Course”. I bet nobody complained about paying 100 to $150,000. more for a home to have a Golf Course view.

[billthecpa]

On one Executive course....(Mira Mesa, I believe).....a homeowner has a sign outside their lanai. It says, simply...."If you hook...you may look." It's nice that some folks are that thoughtful.

[bilcon]

If any of you lost ball golfers read the Common Etiquette Rules Printed by the Villages a few years ago you would know the Etiquette:

NEVER RETRIEVE A BALL from the yard of a resident. Report any damage to private property to the homeowner.

PLAYING IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED beyond the property line of our resident homes, even if not designated by white out-of-bounds stakes.

It is private property...

[bilcon]

I agree with you about breaking a window. People that buy homes on G.C. know they could get a window broke out. Do they think, “Oh good I can get that bad window fixed for FREE if someone puts a golf ball through it”. It’s alright for the home owner to think he can make someone pay for a window but you can’t get your ball even if it’s on the property line. I’ve golf courses where people will have a bucket full of balls & they’ll say help yourself. If people don’t want to get a window knocked out, “Don’t buy a home on the Golf Course”. I bet nobody complained about paying 100 to $150,000. more for a home to have a Golf Course view.

That's a pretty callous point of view. Yes, you don't have to pay according to the legal system, but there is also such a thing as a Moral Code. Obviously you forgot it.

[golfing eagles]

That's funny(NOT). Speaking of the One Percenters(and Bonifay), I've played there with my Weds group, and there is a guy on one of their courses(it escapes me which one, but I think it's Pensacola?), and his backyard is full of cameras?! I've never met him, but the guys say he's a real jerk?! He comes out and yells at people, if they get anywhere near his line. You'll know it when you drive by it(he's on the left). FORE!!!

about 100 yds. down on the left of Destin #4

[John_W]

about 100 yds. down on the left of Destin #4

They couldn't of built the homes any closer to the fairway then they did on that hole. Good thing it's one of the widest fairways and the traps are out of range, if you hit it out of bounds, that's a big hook.

[golfing eagles]

They couldn't of built the homes any closer to the fairway then they did on that hole. Good thing it's one of the widest fairways and the traps are out of range, if you hit it out of bounds, that's a big hook.

I don't think so. I routinely hit it 30-40 yds. past the left bunker, more if I play the white tees. The right bunker isn't even really in play, unless you tee off with a 9 iron. You basically have to hit a duck hook or a really short pull to get it on this jerks property, but I've seen it happen.

[Sunflower33]

I live on Seminole golf course snd get many balls in my yard. I do t mind golfer picking up their ball just don’t hit it from my yard. Once a year I put my bucket of balls out that I have retrieved to give back to golfers.

[Nipper]

When I was a golf ambassador, we were told that golfers could not go on private property to retrieve a ball. I live on a golf course and I do not want strangers in my yard.

[sipops]

What does “OB” mean? ������

Out of Bounds

[Topspinmo]

What is the etiquette if you hit a ball “out of bounds” and it lands in someone’s yard? do you leave it or go and grab it? Is having some random balls getting picked up from your yard part of the price of living on the golf course?

Leave it, it private property.

[Topspinmo]

I agree with you about breaking a window. People that buy homes on G.C. know they could get a window broke out. Do they think, “Oh good I can get that bad window fixed for FREE if someone puts a golf ball through it”. It’s alright for the home owner to think he can make someone pay for a window but you can’t get your ball even if it’s on the property line. I’ve golf courses where people will have a bucket full of balls & they’ll say help yourself. If people don’t want to get a window knocked out, “Don’t buy a home on the Golf Course”. I bet nobody complained about paying 100 to $150,000. more for a home to have a Golf Course view.

So, if hit you’re car parked in street or in parking lot I don’t have to pay for it cause you parked on street or in parking lot. You damage, you pay, if you got ANY integrity.

[OhioBuckeye]

That's a pretty callous point of view. Yes, you don't have to pay according to the legal system, but there is also such a thing as a Moral Code. Obviously you forgot it.

Yes it’s a callous point but I didn’t say it’s writing in stone what I said but you would be amazed how many people agree with me. I’ve hit balls in yards but if wanted my ball back I would ask & if I broke a window out I would go to that home & tell them. That would be the moral thing to to do. But I still think golf balls will get in their yards & the home owner should know that when they buy that home. I’m just being realistic not callous!

[John_W]

I don't think so. I routinely hit it 30-40 yds. past the left bunker, more if I play the white tees. The right bunker isn't even really in play, unless you tee off with a 9 iron. You basically have to hit a duck hook or a really short pull to get it on this jerks property, but I've seen it happen.

I was thinking of #3 that has the homes close on the left side. On #3 hole and #4 there is so much room on the right, I just aim for the right side and if it goes in the rough, you really can't tell the fairway from the rough on a lot of the holes at Bonifay. Sometimes the rough is a better lie. Destin to Bonifay is my favorite 18, I do not care for Pensacola. Kenya to Hemingway is my other favorite if I had to pick a couple of setups.

[photo1902]

Personally, I would never enter someone's yard to pick up one of my golf balls. To me it is common courtesy. On several occasions, I've had a homeowner actually grab the golf ball and hand it to me.

Either way, the cost of a golf ball I buy at Walmart is not worth the invasion of privacy.

[OhioBuckeye]

So, if hit you’re car parked in street or in parking lot I don’t have to pay for it cause you parked on street or in parking lot. You damage, you pay, if you got ANY integrity.

Now you’re talking about cars not homes! You’ll have to ask someone else about this. I know what happens if you break a car window out, this happened to me. So I don’t have to agree or disagree. Have a nice day Topspinmo!