Vandals destroy green

KATINA CURTIS

GERRINGONG Golf Club is facing a huge repair bill after vandals destroyed the 18th green on the weekend.

The club's grounds superintendent, Brad Huender, described the attack as "frustrating", particularly for members who could now not play the final hole of their round.

The extensive damage, which appears to have been inflicted with at least a pick and a shovel, took place between 10pm on Saturday and 5am on Sunday.

"(The offenders) spent quite a lot of time out here," Mr Huender said.

"It could have taken them anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours to do this much damage.

"It's just ridiculous that anyone had that much time on their hands."

The club called the police, who examined the scene on Sunday and found a few footprints.

Club member Margaret McDowell said it was the worst destruction she could remember seeing on a golf course.

"You put so much hard work into things and then someone can just come and do that much damage," she said.

The club is going to have to reconstruct the whole green, which Mr Huender said would take up to three months and cost between $20,000 and $30,000.

For now, they will set up a temporary green and slightly shorten the 18th hole.

Mrs McDowell appealed for anyone who had seen anything on Saturday to contact Kiama police on 4232 1444 or Crime Stoppers on

1800 333 000.

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