The first time, I would have given them a pass. After that I would have picked up their ball and put it in my pocket.

Unfortunately if you hit it back at them...
 

and it hits one of them they can sue you as well.

Was it an accident or was it intentional? Was it the first time or did they do it repeatedly. The reason I ask these questions is that in most states the courts follow the doctrine of “assumption of risk.” The general rule is that people who knowingly and deliberately engage in dangerous activities assume the risks that are inherent in those activities. Playing golf is one of those as there are golf balls flying all over the course and it is reasonable to assume there is a risk of being hit. If it was an accident and not deliberate I am surprised a court would even hear the case. So my final question is are you one of those guys trying to hit the lottery by suing anybody any chance you get hoping the insurance company will settle before they go to court?

If this is prevalent where you play make some index cards with the message "Golf Etiquette 101, (a) on par 3's never hit your tee shot until the preceding group clears the green completely, likewise,(b) on par 4's never hit your 2nd shot and (c) on par 5's don't hit your 3rd shot. Violation results in a 2 stroke penalty or loss of or plugging of ball according to severity or number of violations exceeding one at the option of the lead group." Then leave one next to the cup. Next occurance, pocket their ball.

You should always read the score card, each course has its own local rules on it along with phone numbers.

I make it a point to have lots of sand in my bottle and cover the ball, the second time, with a pyramid of sand. It will slow the group down looking for their ball.😜😜😜

I accidentally did this to the group in front of us on a 495 yd par 5 hole. Hit a good drive then clocked a hybrid 5 about 230 yds. Never did that before and thought there was no way I could reach them but the ball was sitting on the green when I got up there. Fortunately, the next hole was a short par 3. I waited till they cleared the green and then drove up and apologized. All was good after that but the golf gods were on their side ... on in 2 and bogied the hole.

Unfortunately we've had to report damn near getting hit by a ball ourselves. It seems to happen this time of year too. If we didn't get hit our carts have. We report it. People know better but do it anyway not realizing the danger.:ohdear:

Well since this was a PGA event you should have both the men and women removed from the villages ! Take their homes throw them out !
Goofballs

And you are how old ? Sad

Get help with your anger issues. It’s a game not a career

Try to keep in your cart an old, beat up, ugly ball. Then take their ball and replace it with the old beater. They will get the message. If they come to you and ask for their ball, you now have an opportunity for a conversation about patience.

......And full timers would never do such a thing?
Your prejudice is showing.
I would say your more an impatient, than fast golfer!

I ride over the ball with the golf cart.

Sometimes accidents happen. But when it's repeated(and on a Par 3 course, which almost all holes do not have blind spots), it's not! And it is dangerous behavior, and will not be allowed. The Starter was correct. You call them, and they notify the Ambassador, whom will/should immediately drive there and speak to them! As a former Ambassador, I would have dealt with that seriously. If they do not, you need to call Golf Mgmt, as this behavior is not acceptable. We/they can easily identify who was behind you.