The Mill Golf Course has made significant changes to the ninth hole for the remainder of the golf season after an increase in golf balls landing on the course’s patio and a recent incident in which a ball travelled as far as Elgin Street and smashed a vehicle windshield.
In a notice to golfers, The Mill said the decision to move all tee blocks forward was made with safety as the primary concern.
“We have seen a significant increase in golf balls landing on the patio on a daily basis,” the golf course said. “Unfortunately, yesterday a ball travelled as far as Elgin Street and smashed a vehicle windshield.”
The driver was not injured but was reportedly extremely shaken by the incident.
The Mill said that while signage has been installed to warn golfers, it has become clear that signage alone is not enough.
“We need to take proactive steps to protect our golfers, diners, staff, neighbours, and members of the public,” the course said.
New Hole 9 tee locations
The changes are effective immediately and will remain in place for the remainder of the season.
- Red tees: A new red tee block has been installed permanently in front of the creek near the lower flat area.
- White and Black tees: The white tees and the black tees used for Men’s League will move permanently to the previous red tee location.
- Blue tees: The blue tees will move to the front half of the upper tee deck.
- Back half of the upper tee deck: This area is now out of play.
The Mill said the changes were made following discussions involving the Mill Management Team, Cuylers, Andrew, Amelia and course management.
The course expects the new configuration to remain in place for the rest of the season while management monitors how well it addresses the safety concerns.
If the new setup performs as expected, The Mill says it plans to reprint its scorecards, construct a proper permanent red tee deck during the off-season and install new yardage signs for each tee location.
The course acknowledged that changing the way golfers play a familiar hole can be difficult.
“We understand that change can be difficult, particularly when you are accustomed to playing a hole a certain way,” the notice states. “However, we believe that protecting the safety of everyone around the property has to come first.”
Golfers are being instructed to use only the newly designated tee locations.
The Mill is also warning golfers that anyone who continues to tee off from areas designated as out of play could face serious consequences.
“Golfers who continue to tee off from areas that are designated out of bounds may have their memberships, punch cards, or scheduled tee times revoked for the remainder of the season,” the course warned.
The Mill thanked golfers for their cooperation and said the changes are intended to keep the property safe while allowing golfers and visitors to continue enjoying the course.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
