Housing association takes club to court over '˜nuisance' golf balls

Fold Housing Association has issued High Court proceedings against Balmoral Golf Club over balls sliced into properties built along its boundary in south Belfast.

The Association is seeking an injunction to have the par four third hole changed and shortened.

It claims that balls hit from the current tee position are a source of continuing nuisance to residents on the adjoining Finnis Drive.

But lawyers for Balmoral are defending the legal action, arguing that it is an unreasonable interference with its right of use.

Following opening submissions Mr Justice Horner adjourned the hearing so he could personally visit and inspect the course.

The case centres on concerns about balls going out of bounds and into neighbouring property where 15 social houses were built two years ago.

Amendments have been made to the third hole, including extra fencing and signs.

Although it was acknowledged in court that the number of incidents has reduced, counsel for the Housing Association claimed there was still a problem.

Keith Gamble cited 17 reported incidents between May and July this year.

They included balls being hitting fences and being discovered in gardens.

“On the face of it the figures all point to a reduction, but we say this is an ongoing, continuing nuisance,” he said.

Founded in 1914, Balmoral Golf Club claims an association with four former Ryder Cup players: Fred Daly, David Feherty, Eddie Polland and Norman Drew.

Daly, who served as club professional, famously became the first Irishman to lift the Open Championship following his triumph at Royal Liverpool in 1947.

Some current club representatives and residents were in court for the start of proceedings.

They heard Mr Justice Horner question whether the alleged nuisance is substantial or unreasonable.

Mr Gamble insisted: “One must look at the risk of harm, whether it’s unreasonable to allow golf balls to enter these properties.”

He contended that the golf club’s existence before the houses were built does not amount to a defence.

At that stage the judge adjourned the hearing, saying: “Maybe now is an opportunity to go and look at this particular hole.”