Southborough committee to seek funding for solid fence and signage after neighbor complaints about wayward golf balls and roadside neglect

The Town of Southborough Golf Course Committee decided to pursue funding for a solid fence behind the third green through the fourth tee after neighbors reported repeated property damage from wayward golf balls and difficulties walking along nearby roads because of overgrown vegetation.

The decision followed extended public comment from residents, including Gail, who described overgrowth and poison ivy along Lattesquarma Road and urged clearer responsibility for maintenance. “I started with the DPW a number of years ago because the poison ivy was so rampant,” Gail said. A homeowner behind the third green, who asked not to be named at the meeting, described repeated damage to windows, a garage door and a vehicle and urged stronger protection or compensation from the golf operation. “My property is continually being damaged,” the resident said.

Why it matters: committee members said the fencing and other mitigation — signage, additional trees, and possible signage on scorecards — are aimed at reducing property damage and public‑safety risks for pedestrians, including students who walk nearby. The committee chair told residents the group had “decided based on a lot of discussion and research” to pursue a solid fence on the third‑to‑fourth hole stretch, and that the committee will request funding for that project from the select board.

Committee discussion and next steps focused on three kinds of responses: physical barriers, vegetation buffers and communication. The committee reported that the planned fence will be solid (not mesh) and roughly 12 feet tall; a committee member said, “Approximately 12 feet.” Members also discussed adding signs warning golfers to be courteous to neighbors and reminding players they are responsible for their golf balls. The committee agreed to explore planting trees or shrubs along the third fairway to change players’ sight lines and to reduce errant shots.

Residents raised maintenance and jurisdiction concerns about the roadside strip between the road and golf course. Gail said the town Department of Public Works (DPW) and the golf management company have each deferred responsibility for cutting back bittersweet and poison ivy, which she said makes it unsafe for pedestrians. The committee advised residents to press the chain of command — DPW first, then town management — and mentioned that town staff (identified in discussion as Bill Condiff) is looking into the issue. A member suggested bringing the matter to the select board if DPW does not respond.

The committee also discussed liability and insurance. Members said town legal counsel had told them claims historically assigned responsibility to individual golfers, and that the town does not have a recorded history of St. Mark’s or a previous owner paying neighbor claims. One member summarized: “The legal precedence is that it’s the golfer’s responsibility.” The committee said that, given that legal view, insurance or a town compensation program is not a straightforward remedy.

On access and maintenance, residents asked that any new fence include access openings for pedestrians and dog walkers in winter; committee members said openings could be included so the fence would block balls but still allow seasonal pedestrian access. Members also cautioned that fencing and new plantings will require a maintenance plan to avoid the very overgrowth that neighbors complained about.

Formal actions recorded: the committee did not record a formal vote in the transcript for the fence appropriation but stated an intention to request funding from the select board. The committee also agreed to pursue signage and look into tree plantings and to follow up with DPW and town management on roadside maintenance.

What’s next: committee members will prepare the funding request and coordinate language and placement for warning signs and will follow up with DPW and town management on clearing and regular maintenance of the roadside strip adjacent to the golf course. Residents were advised to follow up with DPW and, if unresolved, to raise the issue with the town manager or select board.