Vandals target golf club greens in latest spree

Fairways ripped up and criss-crossed with tyre tracks at Letham Grange

Members of Letham Grange Golf Club have once again been left counting the cost after vandals tore over the fairways in a late-night demolition spree.

Yesterday morning greenkeepers found tyre marks cutting across the 17th fairway and the winter tees in the second incident of its kind over the last few months.

The golf club, once hailed “the Augusta of the north”, was also targeted by thieves, who made off with a buggy last month. A generator and a drill were stolen and damage was caused to a wall which has had to be repaired.

Club captain Malcolm Turner spoke of the frustration and disappointment felt by greenkeepers and members as they are left to repair the mess.

He urged neighbours or anyone with information to contact the police. He said: “This is soul destroying. “This latest case happened either overnight on Saturday or in the early hours of Sunday morning.”

Mr Turner said it appeared the person responsible had driven on to the course near the back of the clubhouse.

He said: “It looks like one vehicle has come in and made its way down, over the tees.

“The driver then did ‘doughnuts’ in the middle of the fairway, ran over the temporary winter green and drove out the main exit.

“It happened just a few months ago, almost in the same place.”

Mr Turner revealed the not-for-profit club was also targeted by thieves during a break-in last month.

He continued: “We had a buggy stolen on that occasion, which was valued at between £1,300 and £2,000.

“We had contractors working on the site and their generator and a drill was taken.

“There was also extensive damage to a wall.

“We run at the moment as a not-for profit organisation.

“We are strapped for cash at the best of times, we struggle to make ends meet and then we get this mindless vandalism.

“At the end of the day, the grass grows but this mindless, continued vandalism really is heartbreaking for the greenkeepers who have to try to repair this and maintain the course.

“It’s so frustrating.”

Police Scotland confirmed officers were aware of the weekend incident.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact them on 101.

Pictures: Gareth Jennings. Member Terry Milne from Forfar plays round the tyre tracks yesterday.

The club was also targeted by thieves last month.