Golf courses hit in the pocket by thefts and vandalism spree.

Anti-social behaviour branded ‘sickening and senseless’

Golf clubs across Fife have been hit in a wave of thefts and vandalism.

Vandals stuck at Lochgelly Golf Club, destroying a putting green by setting alight tins of paint.

The destruction is thought to have taken place late on Tuesday, forcing the club to completely relay the 10th green.

Derek Clark, club president at Lochgelly called the fire damage “sickening and senseless”.

He said: “It’s just wanton destruction and extremely disappointing for club staff who have worked wonders during the coronavirus lockdown to get the course looking the best it’s ever looked.

“Police were informed but with golf courses spanning huge areas it’s difficult to see how they can be protected from those determined to cause damage.

“All local clubs operate on small margins to survive so any vandalism is ultimately a threat to the livelihood of the club as golfers will go elsewhere.

“Being one of the first sports to start up as we ease out of lockdown has seen a huge influx of new members but the future of many clubs could be threatened if we don’t put a stop to such mindless destruction.”

Glenrothes and Cowdenbeath Golf Clubs have suffered a spate of thefts, with flags stolen from various greens at both clubs this week.

At Glenrothes Golf Club, it comes just two weeks after two separate break-ins at the club during which around £5,000 worth of greenkeeping equipment and turf was taken.

The stolen items were later recovered after club professional Josh Anderson discovered them being sold online.

He said: “We were lucky that we found the items being peddled online so alerted the police who acted swiftly and we eventually got the items back.

“Had we not that would have been around £5-6,000 lost and for clubs like ours that’s just not sustainable.

“The specialised ball release mechanisms that we’ve introduced as a safety measure post-lockdown, were stolen too.”

A police spokesman said: “Officers received a report of anti-social behaviour at Glenrothes Golf Club around 3.20pm on June 21. Officers attended and there was nothing ongoing upon arrival.”

It is understood an investigation into the damage at Lochgelly Golf Club is continuing.

Damage to the 10th green at Lochgelly Golf Club which has now had to be completely relayed.

Club professional Josh Anderson discovered the stolen items being sold on the internet.