Vandals on rampage at Painswick Golf Club

Vandals have come under fire after going on a wrecking spree at a picturesque golf course. The third and fourth greens, and the 17th fairway have been ruined by people driving over them at night.

"It's just mindless," said Painswick Golf Club greenkeeper Simon Pearce. "They drove a car across the third green and the flag, they went up the fourth green and did a figure of eight around the flag. And before that, they'd driven over the 17th fairway. It's not 4x4s that have done this, it's a narrow wheeled car, like a Ford Fiesta. This has been done before and it is very annoying."

The course is based on a 3,000-year-old Bronze Age fort and is recognised as one of the most picturesque and challenging in the country. The third green, called Outlook and the fourth, called Breach were targeted between 5pm on Saturday, October 18 and 7am the next day. The fairway on the 17th hole, Graveyard, was damaged between 6pm on Tuesday, October 21 and 6am the next day.

Mr Pearce said the damage will cost between £300 and £500 to repair. The affected holes are still playable, but parts of them have been cordoned off and cups moved. "It will take quite a while to repair, as the greens had been put to bed for the winter and the grass does not grow quickly at this time of year."

Police spokesman Chris Jackson said a PCSO had visited club representatives on Thursday, and he appealed for anyone who may have seen the culprits, or who may know who they are, to call them.

"This was a distressing incident which has caused significant damage to the course," he said. "Anyone who can help us trace the offenders should call us on 0845 090 1234, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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