Driving range again in line of fire
By John Loesing
Acorn Staff Writer

Homeowners in Westlake Village who are teed off about the lights and errant golf balls from the Lake Lindero driving range might see the matter come to a head at next month’s Agoura Hills Planning Commission meeting.

A decision is expected on whether the problem needs a third and final study.

The commission said consultant studies in 1998 and 1999 failed to determine how golf balls from the 4-year-old range kept striking homes on Logwood Drive.

Despite a 100-foot high net that was set up to protect residents, balls continue to slam into backyards and patios, according to homeowners, who also complain about broken windows.

Residents want the driving range closed, unless the problem can be solved.

"The city didn’t ask for the change in use," said Planning Commissioner Phil Ramuno. "It was originally a nine-hole golf course that wanted to add a driving range. If the driving range can or cannot meet its commitment that was agreed to, then we have to make a decision whether it’s an allowable use or not."

David Smith, president of Golf Projects Lindero, the driving range owner, turned down the commission’s request that he pay $5,300 for a third study to determine the cause of the errant golf balls.

The city sought to hire Tanner Consulting Group of Northern California in September to perform a computerized simulation of golf ball trajectories.

The company has performed similar studies for the PGA.

"To me, it’s just a little over the top and an unreasonable request," Smith said.

A 1998 report determined that of the 20,000 golf balls hit from the range during a two-weekend period, none flew over the high netting.

A later study found some errant golf balls came from a nearby chipping green or the golf course itself, but Smith said when he offered to protect the homes with higher netting, three residents on Logwood refused.

Smith said the consultant didn’t adequately report the findings during planning commission hearings last summer.

Earlier in the year, Smith responded to complaints about glaring lights at the range by installing a new $70,000 system with high tech bulbs and shields designed to give golfers enough light without annoying nearby homeowners.

But the lights exceeded a 35-foot height limit imposed by the planning commission when the range was built, said Dave Anderson, Agoura Hills planning director.

"We do need to go back to the commission to evaluate [the lighting], and of course they’ll be looking at the errant golf ball issue," Anderson said.

Smith said the higher lights have less impact than lower ones because they can be pointed downward and not at homes.