M1 Gold Coast: Woman left shaking after golf ball smashes car

More drivers have come forward to share their encounters with flying golf balls while driving the M1, Gold Coast. READ THEIR STORIES

More drivers have come forward to share their encounters with flying golf balls while driving on the M1, Gold Coast.

It comes after Worongary mum Jana Skinner demanded a golf course cover damage to her car after a ball hit her windscreen while driving on the M1.

Gilston resident Ryan Williams said an object smashed his windscreen while he was driving on the M1 near the Mudgeeraba overpass about three months ago.

“The windscreen repairer said it was caused by a golf ball,” Mr Williams said.

The Gilston man said he reported it to The Glades Golf Club, which is situated adjacent to the M1, but was told the golfer who hit the ball was liable for the damage.

Mr Williams eventually paid $700 out of his own pocket to replace the windscreen.

Ryan Williams' damaged windscreen. Picture: supplied

Highland Park resident Guy Doherty said a golf ball hit his windscreen when he was driving on the M1 near the Robina exit on May 29.

“I saw it roll off my car after it smashed my windscreen,” he said.

Mr Doherty said he reported it to The Glades Golf Club and later received a letter from its insurer.

“The insurance company sent me an email saying they’re not liable and that was it,” he said.

The Highland Park resident reported the incident to the Department of Transport and Main Roads, but did not hear back.

The Bulletin contacted the club for comment, but did not receive a response by deadline.

In response to the Bulletin’s previous questions on Wednesday, the club replied in a statement, saying its insurer had been notified of the incident.

“There are legal precedents set in relation to these types of incidents in which our insurer follows,” the club said.

Guy Doherty’s damaged windscreen. Picture: supplied

‘I was shaking’: Golf ball smashes woman’s car on M1 - July 13

A Gold Coast woman has demanded a golf course cover damage to her car after a ball hit her windscreen while driving on the M1.

Worongary mum Jana Skinner told the Bulletin she was “shaking” after the golf ball hit her car while travelling south on the M1 at Robina about 9am Saturday.

“A golf ball came at my car from the left, hitting my front windscreen on the passenger side,” she said.

“It was terrifying – I was shaking.”

Jana Skinner had a golf ball hit her car windscreen while she was driving on the highway. Picture Glenn Hampson

Ms Skinner believed the ball came from The Glades Golf Club, which is situated adjacent to the M1, alongside The Glades Driving Range, a separate operation.

When the woman approached golf club management after the incident, she said they refused to accept liability and blamed the driving range.

“(They said) it was impossible for it to happen and it’s never happened before,” Ms Skinner said.

“I have been contacted by several people on social media that have had a similar experience.”

The damage to Jana Skinner's car windscreen. Picture: supplied

When contacted by the Bulletin about Ms Skinner’s ordeal, The Glades Golf Club replied in a statement, saying its insurer had been notified of the incident.

“There are legal precedents set in relation to these types of incidents in which our insurer follows,” the club said.

A spokesperson from The Glades Driving Range said they understood a claim had been lodged with the relevant insurance company.

Ms Skinner says she wants the damage to her car payed for and an investigation launched into “how safety measures can be improved for the public.”

Robina resident Jana Skinner had a golf ball hit her car windscreen while she was driving on the highway. Nearby golf club and driving range both won't take responsibility for the damage it caused her windscreen. Picture Glenn Hampson

Former Queensland Law Society president and leading Gold Coast lawyer Bill Potts said generally speaking, a golf club could be held responsible for damage caused by errant golf balls.

“Golf is an inherently difficult game. The balls rarely go where you want them,” Mr Potts said.

“The golf club has a responsibility to ensure they take reasonable steps to ensure golf balls don’t leave the course. They may well find themselves liable.”

Mr Potts said it was also up to the complainant to provide evidence of where the golf ball came from “on the balance of probability” to be able to claim compensation.

“All these things come down to question of proof. The (impacted) person has the liability of proving any injury or quantum of damage,” he said.

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Originally published as M1 Gold Coast: Woman left shaking after golf ball smashes car