Wayward golf ball hits 71-yr-old lola

Better wear a helmet and a protective suit in passing by the premises of the Intramuros Golf Club in Ermita, Manila.

For the nth time another pedestrian reportedly fell victim to Intramuros’ wayward golf balls, this time a 71-year-old grandmother who was on her way to the Manila Cathedral yesterday morning.

Fructosa Villanueva suffered a contusion in her chest after being hit with the small but sturdy golf ball along Soriano street. Villanueva was brought to the Manila Doctor’s Hospital for treatment.

Investigator-on-case PO3 Renato Garay of the Ermita Police station said this is not the first time somebody got hit by a golf ball in the area.

"There have been so many incidents like that. In my case I have investigated at least four cases," said Garay.

The Ermita police station have a dozen case investigators and Garay works on the midnight shift up to early morning.

Villanueva, a resident of 968 Masinop street, Tondo, was reportedly with several other relatives when the incident happened at about 8:30 a.m. The shocked and shaken septuagenarian was taken to the hospital by her relatives and other golf club employees who witnessesed the incident.

"To the Intramuros Golf Club’s credit, they have answered for the treatment of all those hit by their balls. They even send personnel to stay with their victims until their treatment is complete," said Garay.

Villanueva was reportedly told by doctors to return on Tuesday for another check-up. The old woman reportedly works as an attendant of a variety store owned by her policeman-son, who is assigned at the Eastern Police District.

Garay said in the past, none of the victims of the wayward golf balls have pressed charges against the golf club. – Jose Aravilla