Golfers left below par by balls complaint
GOLFERS at Lelant say complaints that wayward tee-shots are damaging a neighbouring property has 'ruined' one of Cornwall's most prestigious courses.
Members of West Cornwall Golf Club, the oldest course in the county, have been forced to play a dramatically shortened first hole after a resident of a newly-built housing development threatened legal action.
The testing 229-yard par three was reduced to a 130-yard chip and run at the start of June after claims roof tiles and conservatory panes had been damaged.
Chris Hatton, a member for five years, said: “The first hole is one of the highlights of the course, perhaps the most wonderful hole in West Country golf, and it sets us apart.
“Given the wrong wind conditions a sliced drive can cross the road but it seems a shame to ruin such a wonderful hole.
“I have hit a few balls in that direction but usually you have a laugh with the person and I don't think golf balls do a lot of damage.
“I would not have thought there would be that many balls hitting one person's house.”
The new development, which comprises 10 three-storey flats, two bungalows, a house and four terraced cottages, was built on the site of the Old Manor Nursing Home and opened around 18 months ago.
Club secretary Gareth Evans said: “The situation has been ongoing for 12 to 18 months and following a solicitor's letter we have taken a decision to make the situation safe pending negotiations. We have had a couple of informal meetings, are trying to come to a suitable conclusion, and want the hole to be as before or as close as we can get it.
“The majority of members think it is unreasonable and that it should be the responsibility of the developer not the club.
“I can understand their disappointment because the development has been there for two years and we have been here for 120.”
Mr Evans said Penwith District Council had refused permission to increase the height of the existing four-metre-high fence to contain balls.
He said a number of trees which used to shield the former nursing home had been felled during construction.
Further discussions regarding the compensation claim are expected soon followed by a meeting with the 500 members.
17 Comments
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by Dooby, Cornwall
Tuesday, April 28 2009, 9:11AM
“It appears the complainers have won this battle.
Would West Cornwall have got 2008's County Championship if the opening hole was 140 yards? I doubt it. The golf club should sue the complainers for loss of earnings.”
by jennifer, tehidy camborne
Tuesday, July 01 2008, 10:45AM
“yes exactly, it could be worse at least theres not been any streakers!”
by FRANK, LELANT
Monday, June 30 2008, 6:14PM
“i expect the ONE very lonely sad individual that is complaining about e few balls obviously complains about everything. do they always try and get compensation in whatever they do?
greed greed greed. they must be very bitter people. stand up and name yourself if your not ashamed!”
by mad boy, lelant
Monday, June 30 2008, 6:09PM
“NOTE TO THE COMPLAINER THAT SHES GETTING TOO MANY BALLS. GET A LIFE. GET OUT OF YOUR HOUSE. AND LET SOMEONE LIVE IN YOUR HOUSE WHO MAY APPRECIATE IT AND HAVE A FEW LAUGHS WITH THE GOLFERS IF THEY HAPPEN TO HIT THE VERY RARE BALL IN TO YOUR GARDEN.”
by jenny, st ives
Monday, June 30 2008, 2:55PM
“here we go again! MONEY ,MONEY,MONEY,why not sell to someone who appreciates a wonderful location ,then you could move to a golf free location,i hear outer mongolia is quite nice this time of of year!!!!!”
by Annoyed, Lelant
Monday, June 30 2008, 12:13PM
“I have played West Cornwall many times and I have to agree that the first hole is one of the best opening holes around. At 229 yards, it is a real challenge for an opening hole, with the beautiful indulations of the fairway towards St Uny church tower.
If the wind is in your face, it's a wooden club for me, if at my back, then a 5 iron bouncer. Either way, standing on that tee there is a mixture of trepidation and awesome anticipation of the first tee shot and the round to come.
Recently when I have played, I have strolled up to the new tee box, lifted out a wedge and flopped it on the green nearly every time. This person's complaint has negatively altered the whole first tee experience for me and hundreds of others.
Why did a non-golfer buy that property? Did they even view it beforehand? They need to sort themselves out so we can all get back to playing the first hole as it should be, as a 229 yard beast , instead of the pitch and putt opener we're forced to play now”
by golfer geek, lelant
Monday, June 30 2008, 10:15AM
“who oh why do we have to put up with "nothing better to do" complainers and moaners. Why buy a house next to a golf course? This one person is spoiling golf for everyone. Greed, greed , greed! All he/she wants is compensation. go and live where there is NOT a golf course or put up with the few balls per year that come in your garden.”
by Ted, Penzance
Sunday, June 29 2008, 10:55AM
“Balls have always strayed on the first hole. (we are not all Tiger Woods) In the past they were contained by mature trees but these were cut down by the developer with permission from the Council in order to make money! There was no consideration given to existing facilities.No doubt the view over the golf course was a factor in choosing to buy so how can the occupants be surprised at the odd ball flying over?The Golf course has been there for nearly 120 years and the occupants seek to reduce its national reputation by effectively closing the most challanging opening hole in the County.
There is another solution:-
Why cannot the developer with the assistance of the Council fund and build a large netting cage over the properties to protect them? Alternatively, perhaps the Golf Club will have to resort to growing a natural defence (tall leylandi trees?) but no doubt the blocking of the view would cause objection!
The Golf Course is a major tourist attraction and should not be spoilt.”
by Todrov, Penzance
Saturday, June 28 2008, 7:27PM
“I'm thinking the goofers are hitting their balls at parsons on porpoise, one day I'm with my wife and the goofers shout out to her whore and then we get hitted with their ball, they thinks this funy but it very rude and dangerously, it should be stopped.”
by jenny, truro
Friday, June 27 2008, 12:51PM
“There is always gonna be a handful of curtain twitchers that have nothing better to do with there time than Moan.
If they didnt want to run the risk of being under the attack of said golfballs, then why on earth did they move into it.
My message to them is shape up or ship out!!!!!!”