‘Hidden hole’, failed buggy brakes claim land two Melbourne golf clubs in hot water

Two keen golfers claim they have been left with serious injuries following buggy incidents at separate popular Melbourne golf clubs.

Wayne McInnes has filed legal action against The Churchill Park Golf Club after his golf cart hit a “hidden hole”. Picture: Jason Sammon

Motorised golf cart incidents involving a “hidden hole” on a fairway and allegedly failing brakes have landed two popular Melbourne golf clubs in hot water this month.

Churchill Park Golf Club and Bay Views Golf Course are being sued by two players who claim they were seriously injured as a result of separate golf cart incidents.

In writs filed to Victorian County Court this month, retiree Wayne McInnes and 66-year-old man Graeme Smith both allege they were thrown from the vehicles while playing rounds nearly a year apart.

In the first case, Mr McInnes was enjoying a game at the Churchill Park Golf Club in Endeavour Hills on December 5, 2023, when he ran into trouble on the 12th hole.

Mr McInnes claims he was launched over the handlebars and on to the ground after his golf cart allegedly struck a hole on the fairway. Picture: Jason Sammon

As Mr McInnes drove his cart towards the green, the vehicle allegedly struck a “hidden hole” on the fairway, launching him over the handlebars and onto the ground.

The cart is believed to have then rolled over and ended up on top of him.

Solicitors representing Mr McInnes have claimed injury, loss and damages as a result of the incident, describing various injuries to his hand, wrist, ribs and head, as well as “psychological sequelae”, a secondary condition resulting from a previous injury or trauma.

A year after the incident Mr McInnes was examined by an orthopaedic surgeon who issued a certificate confirming the 74-year-old had a “significant injury”, opening the door for him to make a claim to recover damages.

In a separate incident, Mr Smith alleges he was injured while riding a golf cart at Bay Views Golf Course in Rosebud on November 20, 2022.

Graeme Smith claims he was injured after the buggy’s brakes failed and he lost control during a separate incident at Bay Views Golf Club,

Mr Smith alleges he was thrown from his golf cart after the brakes failed and he lost control of the vehicle.

Mr Smith’s solicitors claim he was seriously injured as a result of the accident, saying he fractured bones in his foot, tore a ligament in his ankle and had “consequential deep vein thrombosis”.

“As a result of his injuries the plaintiff (Mr Smith) has required help and assistance from family, and will require ongoing assistance,” the County Court writ alleges.

Mr McInnes and Mr Smith claim the incidents and associate injuries were caused by negligence on behalf of Churchill-Waverley Golf and Bowls Club and GSM Bay Views Golf, respectively.

When contacted by the Herald Sun, Bay Views Golf Course declined to comment.

GSM Golf, who manages Bay Views Golf Course, was not able to comment when contacted.

Mr McInnes declined to make a comment and Mr Smith’s representation has been contacted for comment.