Update : Follow-up on the news : MISSION VIEJO : Golf Driving Range to Get Protective Net
In response to an accident in which a young athlete was partially blinded, Saddleback College’s golf driving range will be completely enclosed with protective netting.
Trustees of the college on Monday awarded a $986,250 construction contract for the work, which is to be completed in November.
Ashley Bethel, then a 15-year-old track star, lost sight in her right eye in February, 1994, after being struck by an errant golf ball hit from the driving range.
College officials first considered moving the track but decided instead to enclose the driving range, college district spokeswoman Diane Riopka said.
“This will make it safe not only for the track but for all areas of the campus,” Riopka said.
A lawsuit is pending on behalf of Bethel for unspecified damages against the college district, the state and the operators, designers and builders of the nine-acre driving range.
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