A former director of Carnoustie Golf Links took the course to court over a £141.90 vet bill.
Alastair Donaldson, of Harris Road, Carnoustie, is pursuing Carnoustie Golf Links Management Committee (CGLMC) after his dog’s paw pad was sliced on a rusty metal rail during a regular walk.
He claims liability for the injury to his German short-haired pointer lies with the operators of the Buddon course, where the accident took place on September 5.
The court heard the rail had been exposed following irrigation works and was lying in long grass at the time. The accident took place on a worn grass “path” which was not one of the course’s recognised core pathways.
Mr Donaldson said he had been walking the dog on the lead when it turned and tried to jump over the piece of metal. He said his other dog was also with him on another lead.
Mr Donaldson claimed CGLMC were attempting to hide from their “shortcomings and negligence”.
CGLMC vice-chair Patricia Sayers said the organisation had acted properly and carried out health and safety and risk assessment procedures.
She said Mr Donaldson is a member of Carnoustie Golf Links and questioned why, as a former director, he had not reported seeing the metal when he came across it in the weeks prior to the accident.
She said: “We believe we acted responsibly and with respect to walkers, dog walkers and other people who use the golf course responsibly.
“We inspect the core paths daily to remove any items which could cause injury to the public.”
Ms Sayers called Buddon head greenkeeper Steve Mitchell as a witness. She asked if he had witnessed Mr Donaldson walking his dogs off the lead on the course before.
Mr Mitchell said: “I have seen Alastair on numerous occasions walking the dog in the golf course. They have been off the lead on numerous occasions.”
The court heard there were no witnesses to the accident other than Mr Donaldson.
The case was continued until Friday when Sheriff Paterson will deliver his verdict.