Residents demand protective netting at city-owned golf course to prevent injuries

As the sun dipped low over Chickasha, a palpable tension filled the city council chamber, where residents gathered to voice their concerns about safety and property damage stemming from the nearby golf course. Among them was a passionate homeowner who shared a harrowing account of the dangers posed by errant golf balls that have become a daily threat to her family and neighbors.

“I live east of the golf course, and I’ve just given you some proof to show you what I’m dealing with,” she began, holding up a collection of over 800 golf balls that had landed in her yard. Her voice trembled with urgency as she recounted how these high-speed projectiles, traveling at speeds between 140 to 260 miles per hour, have struck her home, vehicles, and even her grandson. “It’s just not safe,” she lamented, emphasizing the need for protective measures such as netting or relocating the first hole of the course.

Her plea resonated deeply with the council members and attendees, as she painted a vivid picture of the risks faced by children and drivers in the area. “Just before school was out, a golf ball hit the hood of a pickup truck right as kids were getting off the school bus,” she recalled, highlighting the potential for tragedy that loomed over the neighborhood. “One of these hits somebody, it’s gonna kill them.”

The homeowner’s son echoed her concerns, recounting a confrontational encounter with a golfer who had damaged their property. “I don’t want to get a phone call that my mother or my child has gotten hit in the temple with a golf ball and is no longer with us,” he implored, underscoring the urgency of their request for action.

The council listened intently as the residents articulated their fears and frustrations, urging the city to take responsibility for the safety of its citizens now that it owns the golf course. “We’re residents here, and we need to be protected,” the homeowner concluded, her voice steady but filled with emotion. “Please consider putting some netting up for personal safety.”

As the meeting progressed, the atmosphere remained charged with a sense of community urgency. The discussions highlighted not only the immediate need for safety measures but also the broader implications of city planning and resident welfare. With the council now faced with the challenge of balancing recreational activities with public safety, the outcome of this meeting could shape the future of the golf course and its relationship with the surrounding neighborhood. The residents left the chamber hopeful that their voices would lead to meaningful change, ensuring that their homes could once again be a place of peace and enjoyment.