Motorcyclists wreak havoc at Walton Heath
Walton Heath is among the most revered sites in UK golf – which makes the damage wrought by vandals at the weekend all the more shocking.
The club released video on their Twitter account showing a quartet of bikers doing doughnuts on the course on Sunday evening and then riding off as greenkeepers and walkers sounded the alarm.
Unfortunately, as you may have seen, Sunday at around 18.45, we were subjected to vandalism by motorcyclists on the course. This has been taken to the police who are investigating but if anyone has any info, please contact the club or @SurreyPolice. We thank you for your support pic.twitter.com/rRXumDsBRT
— Walton Heath Golf Club (@waltonheath_gc) April 27, 2020
Walton Heath has hosted some of the country’s most prestigious tournaments down the years, including the Ryder Cup in 1981 and, most recently, the British Masters in 2018.
Justin Rose, who hosted that event, tweeted to say: “Can’t believe this”.
There have been a spate of vandal attacks on golf courses during the government lockdown – as those revelling in causing damage have taken advantage of the coronavirus crisis and empty venues.
Greenkeepers were working hard on Monday morning to try and repair the damage, centred around the 1st green of the New course, and the club have asked anyone with information to contact Surrey Police.
Unfortunately we were subject to some vandalism on Sunday. Words fail me sometimes. Skidding motorcross bikes over greens causing huge damage, at a time where they shouldn’t even be out. If you know who they might be please get in touch with @SurreyPolice or @waltonheath_gc pic.twitter.com/O6ffrJg5LL
— Sam Smitherman PGA (@S_SmithermanPGA) April 27, 2020
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- What does essential maintenance look like? Pretty good, actually!
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Steve Carroll
A journalist for 25 years, Steve has been immersed in club golf for almost as long. A former club captain, he has passed the Level 3 Rules of Golf exam with distinction having attended the R&A's prestigious Tournament Administrators and Referees Seminar.
Steve has officiated at a host of high-profile tournaments, including Open Regional Qualifying, PGA Fourball Championship, English Men's Senior Amateur, and the North of England Amateur Championship. In 2023, he made his international debut as part of the team that refereed England vs Switzerland U16 girls.
A part of NCG's Top 100s panel, Steve has a particular love of links golf and is frantically trying to restore his single-figure handicap. He currently floats at around 11.
Steve plays at Close House, in Newcastle, and York GC, where he is a member of the club's matches and competitions committee and referees the annual 36-hole scratch York Rose Bowl.
Having studied history at Newcastle University, he became a journalist having passed his NTCJ exams at Darlington College of Technology.
What's in Steve's bag: TaylorMade Stealth 2 driver, 3-wood, and hybrids; TaylorMade Stealth 2 irons; TaylorMade Hi-Toe, Ping ChipR, Sik Putter.