Golf coursestargeted

Worksop Golf Club and College Pines are offering a joint reward of £500 after tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage has been caused to both courses in the past three months.

College Pines owners Charles and David Snell said yobs had been driving quadbikes and motorbikes across the fairway – causing more than £20,000 of damage.

Said Charles: “This is a vindictive, vicious and calculated act. They aren’t just driving across the course but they are spinning round and digging up the grass.”

“This kind of damage is even harder to repair in the winter. It has cost £20,000 in terms of lost business and repairs. This cannot go on.”

“We are offering £500 to anyone who can offer any information which will lead to a conviction. People know this is going on – they need to report it.”

Worksop Golf Club secretary manager Alan Mansbridge said he has reported 11 incidents to police in the past few months.

“This is definitely the worst it’s ever been. We have got some of the most prestigious courses in the county and they are being damaged to such an extent that members are questioning if they want to continue,” he said.

“If this carries on this could threaten the future of Worksop Golf Club and its 25 employees, along with all the suppliers in the Worksop area.”

David Snell urged anyone with information about the damage to come forward and protect Worksop’s rich golfing history.

“Local people are also our customers – anyone who sees any suspicious activity must report it to the police,” he said.

“Worksop has produced some fine golfers – number two in the world golfer Lee Westwood as well as Maurice Bembridge and Mark Foster.”

“Both courses attract a lot of visitors to the town and with a £1m turnover each year, it’s going to affect everyone if this doesn’t stop.”

Neighbourhood police sergeant for Worksop south Simon Spooner said such vandalism will not be tolerated.

“We will bring those responsible to justice and their bikes will be seized and crushed. They will also be put before the courts for driving offences and points will be put on their licence.”

Anyone with any information or who witnesses any suspicious activity on either course is asked to call Pc Ben Hensell on 101 extension 8077145.