Dispute over driving range golf balls landing in neighbor's yard reaches Indiana Supreme Court

October 31, 2026

A long-running legal battle over golf balls striking a neighboring property has escalated to Indiana’s highest court, with Mitchell Schultz seeking justice after years of disruptions. Since 2018, Schultz claims up to 1,500 golf balls have landed on his DeMotte home annually since Sandy Pines Golf Club expanded its driving range adjacent to his family’s long-held land.

The Indiana Supreme Court now weighs whether the club bears liability for balls hit by its customers, a question that could force changes like reinforced netting or even the range’s closure. Earlier rulings, including a trial finding Sandy Pines liable but assigning Schultz 95% fault for buying property he knew was affected, were overturned on appeal.

Despite the club’s switch to limited-flight balls, stray shots persisted, damaging windows and entering Schultz’s pool, while golfers frequently trespassed to retrieve them. Thursday’s arguments focused on whether the business—not just its patrons—should be held accountable for the fallout of recreational play.