Houston, September 16, 2025
News Summary
Following an incident where a driver’s windshield was shattered by a stray golf ball near the Gus Wortham Golf Course, safety concerns have risen significantly. The driver, Miguel Galan, is now suing for damages exceeding $1,000. Local officials, including Councilman Joaquin Martinez, are discussing the installation of protective netting to prevent future occurrences. However, funding challenges persist due to the city’s significant deficit. The Houston Golf Association is currently investigating the incident while prioritizing community safety measures.
Houston – Safety concerns have surged to the forefront following an incident on August 17, when a 71-year-old driver, Miguel Galan, had his windshield shattered by a stray golf ball near the Gus Wortham Golf Course. The event was recorded by Galan’s dashcam, which captured the moment the ball struck his vehicle while he was stopped at a red light.
Galan reported the damage caused by the incident but was directed by golf course employees to file an insurance claim rather than hold the course accountable. The repair costs for his vehicle totaled over $1,000, prompting him to pursue a lawsuit in small claims court against the course.
In light of this incident, concerns about public safety in the area are growing. Galan has raised alarm due to the considerable traffic, nearby grocery stores, bus stops, apartments, and an elementary school located close to the golf course. Since the incident, he has collected over 50 stray golf balls from the vicinity, further highlighting the potential dangers posed by errant shots from the course.
In response to these safety concerns, Councilman Joaquin Martinez has indicated that measures are under discussion, including the installation of protective netting around the golf course to prevent similar incidents in the future. Martinez was previously alerted to the situation two months prior by the Houston Golf Association (HGA), with complaints regarding stray golf balls reportedly being low but recognized as a serious issue by local residents.
Estimates suggest that installing protective netting could cost between $80,000 and $100,000. However, the city is currently facing a $330 million deficit, which poses challenges to funding such preventative measures. Despite significant investments in improving the Gus Wortham Golf Course, there has been no allocation of funds specifically for safety enhancements such as protective netting.
While the HGA, responsible for managing the city-owned course, has denied responsibility for Galan’s claims, they have indicated that the situation is under investigation. They stipulate that the golfer whose ball causes any damage should exchange information with the affected party. Nevertheless, Martinez acknowledged gaps in how these complaints have been addressed and managed.
The HGA has committed to implementing necessary safety measures for the community once their investigation concludes. In the meantime, Galan continues to advocate vigorously for the installation of protective netting, emphasizing the urgency of the situation by stating that while vehicles can be replaced, lives cannot. The current circumstances raise ongoing discussions about the need for enhanced safety measures around golf courses in populated urban areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Miguel Galan?
On August 17, 2023, Miguel Galan’s windshield was shattered by a stray golf ball while he was stopped at a red light near the Gus Wortham Golf Course.
What are the potential safety measures being discussed?
Councilman Joaquin Martinez mentioned that potential measures include the installation of protective netting around the golf course to prevent further incidents.
How much could the protective netting cost?
The estimated cost for installing protective netting is between $80,000 and $100,000.
Is the golf course responsible for the damages?
The Houston Golf Association denied responsibility for damages and clarified that the situation is still under investigation.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | August 17, 2023 |
| Driver Involved | Miguel Galan, 71 |
| Location | Near Gus Wortham Golf Course, Houston |
| Damage Cost | Over $1,000 |
| Proposed Safety Measure | Protective netting |
| Estimated Netting Cost | $80,000 to $100,000 |
| Current Funding Status | $330 million city deficit |
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Additional Resources
- KHOU: Golf Course Safety Upgrade
- Wikipedia: Golf
- Houston Chronicle: Severe Thunderstorm Watch
- Google Search: Gus Wortham Golf Course
- ABC13: Severe Weather in Texas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Severe Weather
- KHOU: Golf Course Drivers Ball Net
- Google News: Golf Ball Incidents
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris 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 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
