Daly City, August 21, 2025
News Summary
A martial arts studio owner in Daly City is alarmed by nearly 30 stray golf balls hitting his property from a nearby golf course. The owner claims that the stray balls pose a serious safety risk to children and staff training on site. Despite raising the issue with the golf club and local authorities, safety measures like protective netting have yet to be implemented. As more golfers come to the course with warmer weather, the risk of injury increases. Community leaders are urged to find a solution before an accident occurs.
Daly City: Martial Arts Studio Owner Sounds Alarm Over Stray Golf Balls
This story reads like a small-town drama with a big safety twist. A Daly City business owner says his courtyard, parking lot and even the roof of his martial arts studio have become unintended targets for wayward golf shots fired from a nearby course. The owner has collected nearly 30 stray golf balls from around the property and is pushing for action before someone gets hurt.
What’s happening at the studio?
The owner of a local martial arts studio reports a steady stream of stray golf balls coming over fencing from a nearby club. Balls have been found inside the business’s outdoor areas and on the roof. The business owner describes an incident where a ball struck a loud, startling thud near children — including a toddler — which has raised alarm about the potential for serious injury.
After collecting almost 30 golf balls, documenting impacts on video and speaking up repeatedly, the owner has been pressing the nearby club to take responsibility and install protective netting. The concern is that warmer weather and more golfers will mean more shots over the fence, increasing the risk to people working and training in and around the studio.
Who’s involved and what’s being done?
The club at the center of the issue has acknowledged the problem and says it is working with local city officials. City staff are also reportedly engaged, and the studio owner has taken the issue to local law enforcement and to leaders in neighboring jurisdictions. The city manager has been part of discussions meant to move the situation toward a solution.
From the studio owner’s perspective, the club has the resources to install a safety net and should make that investment to protect the community. From the club’s stated position, community safety is a priority and they are collaborating with city officials to address concerns.
A golfer’s-eye view — why this can happen
As someone who follows golf closely, this situation is familiar: errant shots can travel far, and courses border neighborhoods, businesses and homes. Even well-struck shots can carry over fences if a hole is elevated or if wind conditions pick up. Protective netting or barrier upgrades are common mitigation measures when a course sits close to public spaces.
Netting can be a straightforward, proven fix — it absorbs or redirects incoming golf balls and reduces the chance of injury or property damage. In cases like this, the debate usually centers on who pays for the mitigation and how quickly it can be installed. The studio owner wants the club to move fast; city officials appear to be coordinating; law enforcement is aware.
Why it matters now
The timing matters because warmer months generally mean more golfers on the course, increasing the odds of stray shots. Parents bring children to classes, students run drills that put them outside, and employees use the courtyard — any of them could be in harm’s way if nothing changes. The studio owner has been clear that the goal is simple: prevent injuries and keep the community safe.
What to watch next
- Whether the club and city reach a formal plan for installing netting or other barriers.
- How quickly installation can proceed once a plan is agreed upon.
- Whether any interim safety measures — signage, restricted outdoor use during peak hours, temporary netting — are put in place.
Takeaway for golf fans and neighbors
Golfers love a well-hit drive, but when courses meet homes and businesses, common-sense safeguards benefit everyone. For those who train, live or work just over the fence, a net is not about curbing the game — it’s about keeping the neighborhood safe while golf continues. As the story develops, it’s worth checking in on updates from the club and local leaders to see if a practical, timely solution arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this a common problem near golf courses?
A: Yes. Where golf courses border public spaces, stray shots are a recurring concern and are often addressed with netting or barriers.
Q: Who is usually responsible for installing protective netting?
A: Responsibility varies by site and local rules, but courses commonly take the lead when their play jeopardizes nearby properties. City officials may also get involved to mediate and enforce safety standards.
Q: What immediate steps can property owners take?
A: Document the incidents, collect any stray balls, record video if safe, report to city officials and law enforcement, and ask the club for interim safety measures while longer-term fixes are arranged.
Q: What are typical netting solutions?
A: Options range from temporary fabric nets to more permanent high-tensile systems mounted on poles. Choice depends on shot height, distances, and aesthetics.
Q: Should golfers change their behavior?
A: Respect for neighboring spaces is part of responsible play. Golfers should avoid riskier shots when possible and follow any local guidance issued while barriers are installed.
Quick Reference Table: What to Do If You Find Stray Golf Balls
| Situation | Immediate Action | Who to Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Found balls on property | Collect and store safely; photograph location and date | Property manager, local police non-emergency number |
| Ball hits near someone | Check for injuries, seek medical help if needed; document incident | Emergency services if injured; then local police and city officials |
| Ongoing incidents | Keep a log, video if safe, and ask for a meeting with the course | City manager, code enforcement, course management |
| Want a quick fix | Request temporary netting or restricted outdoor use schedules | Course leadership and city staff |
The situation is unfolding. For golf fans, course managers and neighbors alike, the hope is for a practical fix that keeps the game rolling while protecting the people who live and work nearby.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- USF Dons Women’s Golf Schedule
- NBC Bay Area: San Francisco Golf Course Safety Petition
- SF Chronicle: SF Golfers and Course Privatization
- The Fried Egg: Poppy Ridge Golf Course Analysis
- Amateur Golf: San Francisco City Tournament Results
- Wikipedia: Golf
- Google Search: Golf Safety
- Google Scholar: Golf Safety
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf Safety
- Google News: Golf Safety
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
