Golfers 'devastated' by quad bike damage at course

Iain Evans, general manager at Thorndon Park Golf Club, said "we are all obviously devastated"

Golfers have been been left "devastated" after vandals on quad bikes caused "mindless damage" to greens and fairways at their course.

It happened at Thorndon Park Golf Club near Brentwood at about 16:30 GMT on Sunday, said general manager Iain Evans.

"We are all obviously devastated - a lot of hard work goes into preparing the golf course for members to enjoy," he said.

Essex Police said it was investigating reports of criminal damage after six greens and more than half of the fairways were affected.

The Golf Supply, a social media account, said it was looking to raise £10,000 for the club.

Ashley Mullin, from the account, posted a video and said: "They have absolutely obliterated the golf course for no reason."

A video shows two quad bikes spinning around, making doughnuts and causing deep ruts in the course.

The club said there had been vandalism at the course in the past, but "certainly not to this extent"

Iain Evans said he was left devastated when he saw the damage to the playing surface

Mr Evans added: "The initial thoughts were a little bit of anger and then just astonishment that someone can cause that much damage.

"Just mindless damage to what is effectively a natural environment is just awful.

"Maintaining the surface and caring for fine turf is an art. We employ greenkeepers and now they've got the unenviable task of trying to recover those areas, trying to make them fit for play.

"There has been vandalism on the golf course before with motorbikes but certainly not to this extent."

He said a group of members had helped clear some of the debris, but it was "too early" to say how much money it would cost to repair the damage.

The club's website said the course was open but holes three to seven, and 16, were closed due to "extensive vandalism of the greens".

Essex Police said damage estimated at "thousands of pounds" was caused in the incident and it appealed for information.

Quad bikes were filmed driving across the golf course near Brentwood