Kendal Spencer Settles Negligence Lawsuit Against Topgolf
The settlement follows a 2023 incident where a patron was struck in the head by a club at the Hillsboro facility.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Golf
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Kendal Spencer has reached a settlement in a federal negligence lawsuit filed against Topgolf. The action followed a 2023 incident at the Hillsboro location where Spencer sustained a traumatic brain injury after being struck by a flying golf club.
Why it matters
The litigation alleged that the entertainment chain failed to install protective barriers between hitting bays and seating areas. This outcome highlights ongoing concerns regarding safety protocols in crowded recreational golf settings.
A review of injuries across two locations from 2019 through 2021 identified 27 incidents involving golf club strikes. The facility currently utilizes 4-inch-wide red-painted lines and audio warnings to delineate safe zones.
The players
Kendal Spencer
He is the plaintiff who filed a negligence lawsuit following an injury sustained at a Topgolf facility.
Topgolf
This is a global sports entertainment company known for its multi-level driving ranges that combine golf with food and beverage service.
The details
Spencer was struck in the head by a club that slipped from a player's hands in an adjacent bay, ultimately requiring nine staples to close the wound. The suit contended that the absence of physical dividers between areas placed guests at unreasonable risk.
Timeline
From 2019 through 2021, 27 golf club strike injuries were reported at two locations.
The injury to Kendal Spencer occurred on June 24, 2023.
The negligence lawsuit was filed in federal court in February 2025.
A jury awarded $16 million in a separate case in September 2025.
Season Trajectory
This settlement follows the pattern of liability claims established by the September 2025 $16 million jury award against Topgolf. The recurring nature of these incidents could influence future insurance costs and facility design requirements for similar venues.
The settlement underscores that patrons at similar entertainment venues should remain aware of their proximity to active swinging bays. Ongoing scrutiny of safety lines and barriers may lead to increased vigilance or structural updates at facilities across the country.
The takeaway
Visitors to high-traffic driving range facilities should maintain awareness of their surroundings near active hitting areas. Safety markings on floors are designed to minimize risk, but players should prioritize standing behind indicated boundaries.
Further reading
For more information on legal and safety issues in the industry, visit the Golf section.
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