The club is appealing for help from the public
“WELL OVER £10,000 of damage” at Whitchurch Golf Club was caused by trespassers riding electric bikes across the fairways and putting greens, staff said.
The club says it has been plagued with the issue of electric bikes driving onto the course at night, with the most recent incident happening on November 14.
Three-inch deep bike tracks were found on the course with damage to the first, second and 18th holes as well as the chipping greens.
Christian Bannister, clubhouse manager for Whitchurch Golf Club, said it has been “very disheartening and soul-destroying for us”.
Due to the time of the year, the grass on the course will not grow back, with “no chance of recovery” until May. As a result, the club has had to take fringes from the edge of the putting greens to repair the damage.
Mr Bannister said that the club is “trying to battle through”, and warned that the issue could impact them financially: “Everybody’s been very sorry to see it.”
Paul Crowe, general manager of the club said that they “just want it to stop”.
Whitchurch Golf Club has more than 1,000 members and is closely involved with the local area, holding events such as fireworks night, community lunches and dinners and working with both Whitchurch High School and Llanishen High School.
The club has been in contact with police and is now appealing to members of the public for information and to help identify the culprits.
South Wales Police said they have received two reports of trespass and damage from the golf club in the past few weeks and have stepped up patrols in the area.
“This type of behaviour won’t be tolerated and both incidents are under investigation,” South Wales Police said.
They have advised anyone with information to contact 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Alternatively people can report it online: Report a crime | South Wales Police
Members of the public can also contact Whitchurch Golf Club on 02920 620985 or email christian@whitchurchcardiffgolfclub.co.uk
