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

• Don’t open courses to public, warn greenkeepers’ association
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