Golf course managers face indictment after stray golf ball hits marathon runner in face

Two managers of a golf course in Incheon were referred to prosecutors on Thursday for negligence after a stray golf ball injured a marathon runner during a race near the course.

 
Incheon Yeonsu Police Precinct said Thursday that it had referred the general manager of the golf course, a man in his 50s, and the safety manager, a man in his 30s, to prosecutors without detention on charges of professional negligence resulting in injury.

Police concluded that the golf course operators bore legal responsibility for the accident based on an on-site investigation and the victim’s testimony.
 

The incident occurred at around 9:05 a.m. on Oct. 6 last year, when a marathon participant, a 30-year-old man, was hit in the face by a golf ball while running near the course during a 10-kilometer race in Yeonsu District of Songdo, Incheon.

 
The 30-year-old marathon runner was taken to a nearby hospital by ambulance and diagnosed with injuries, including a fractured tooth and jaw, requiring three weeks of treatment.

 
After receiving the victim’s complaint and launching an investigation, police found that the golf course had failed to install protective netting to prevent golf balls from flying outside the course — a safety measure that could have prevented the accident. Police also confirmed that there had been several previous cases of stray golf balls leaving the course before this incident. 

“Although the victim settled with the golf course, the charge of professional negligence resulting in injury is not subject to withdrawal based on the victim’s wishes,” said the police. “We judged that the golf course was responsible for neglecting safety management, so we sent the case to the prosecution.”

 
Another marathon participant was also reportedly hit by a golf ball during the same race but did not file a complaint.

 
“We prepared materials to install netting before taking over the golf course in July 2022, but we disposed of the materials and restored them to their original state due to complaints from nearby apartment residents that the view would be ruined,” said an operator affiliated with the golf course in question.  

 
“To prevent safety accidents, we planted 300 trees around the perimeter of the golf course,” the operator said. “We are asking event organizers to refrain from holding events near the course and are working with relevant authorities to strengthen safety measures.”

Source: https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-04-10/national/socialAffairs/Golf-course-managers-face-indictment-after-stray-golf-ball-hits-marathon-runner-in-face/2282486

Comprehension

Where did the incident involving the stray golf ball take place?
What was happening at the time the marathon runner was injured?
What are the two managers accused of?
What injuries did the marathon runner suffer from?
What safety measure was the golf course lacking?
Had there been previous incidents of stray golf balls before this one?
Why did the golf course remove the protective netting materials?
What alternative safety measure did the golf course implement?
What was the police's reason for proceeding with the case despite a settlement?

Discussion

What responsibilities do sports facility managers have to protect people nearby?
How could the golf course have better prepared for the marathon event?
Should the complaints of local residents outweigh public safety concerns?
How can city officials ensure safe coexistence between public events and sports venues?
What could have happened if the injury had been more serious?
How can event organizers assess and reduce risks near outdoor sports areas?
Do you think planting trees is enough to ensure safety from stray golf balls? Why or why not?
How important is it for previous safety incidents to be taken seriously?
Should legal cases continue even when the victim reaches a private settlement?
How can this incident influence future planning of marathons or other public events?

Vocabulary

Stray – Moving away from the proper place or path.
Negligence – Failure to take proper care in doing something.
Precinct – A district or division of a city, often for police administration.
Prosecutors – Legal officials who bring charges against someone in court.
Fractured – Broken or cracked (usually referring to bones or teeth).
Protective netting – A mesh barrier used to stop objects from going beyond a certain area.
Complaint – A formal statement of dissatisfaction or legal charge.
Settlement – An agreement reached between parties to resolve a dispute.
Perimeter – The outer boundary of an area.
Authorities – Officials or organizations with power to enforce laws or manage public
issues.