Wreckless yobs wreck Shotts Golf Club just before reopening

The turf on a number of the course’s greens and tee points was left scarred and scored, with motor oil spilt on it.

Yobs on motocross and quad bikes have senselessly torn up putting greens at Shotts Golf Club causing more than £1000 worth of damage.

The turf on a number of the course’s greens and tee points was left scarred and scored, with motor oil spilt on it.

News of the damage to the course by the louts left club captain Brian Harvie feeling distinctly below par.

He said: “We think the same guys were on the course a couple of weeks ago but didn’t do much damage.

“This time it was on the Sunday and they came on from the Harthill side, the Forestry Commission roads side, and got on to the course there.

“There’s a couple of houses overlook the course and they do their best to keep an eye on it.

“It was between 3pm and 4pm they took the bikes on, vandalised four or five of the greens and some of the tees.

“If it was the fairways then it wouldn’t have been as bad.

“They were seen heading out on to Benhar Road and turning left to go back towards Shotts town.

“We have two greenkeepers working but it’s difficult to police. It will take about three or four weeks to repair properly.

“Normally there would be people playing but at the moment it’s just like an empty big park.

“We have people walking round and we don’t mind that, it’s a nice place to walk. People do it respectfully and don’t cause any damage.

“A few weeks ago we even had a family up having a picnic and the kids were playing with the sand in a bunker, but they didn’t do any damage.

“We went eight or nine weeks with the course not being used without any vandalism so it’s really disappointing.

“The clubhouse is a great focal point for the Shotts community and has a great reputation. It’s well known for its food, its Sunday lunches and value for money.

“Everybody knows everybody in Shotts, it’s a great wee club and a friendly wee golf course. The sign on the way in says ‘The Friendly Club’, that’s how it’s known.

“We kept the green staff working during the last three months and didn’t furlough them, to keep the course in good repair so when we do get back to playing it was in good condition.”

Greenkeeper Graham Watt now faces a race against time to get the course up to scratch following Scotland’s First Minister’s decision to allow people on to the country’s courses to play golf again from tomorrow (Thursday).

“It’s a big job to repair it but I’ve been working away on it,” he said. “One of the greens also has oil on it. I’ll need to keep an eye on it over the next few days to see how it goes.”

Club member Gary Bridges has issued a rallying call for more people in the Shotts community to get out and enjoy the course after the lockdown restrictions ease.

He put his feelings of disappointment over the damage to one side and chipped in, saying: “We have very affordable membership prices and have great pro and teaching capabilities and want to attract new, and especially young members.

“The club also has various fun and charity days, raising many thousands over the years for local charities.”