Top 100 course vandalized by motorcyclists during shutdown

Without golfers littering golf courses this time of year, one Top 100 golf club has run into unexpected trouble: vandalism.

Walton Heath Golf Club, ranked no. 90 in our Top 100, was damaged Sunday when four motorcyclists tore up the property with the wheels of their dirt bikes. One witness on hand was able to take footage of the act before the cyclists motored off the course. A close look shows just how easy it is for the tires to ravage the turf. (Note: The video does have some explicit language.)

Beyond being a Top 100 course, Walton Heath notably hosts the annual U.S. Open sectional qualifying tournament in England. It also played host to the 2018 British Masters, won by Eddie Pepperell. But this summer, there is no golf being played at Walton Heath. All courses in the United Kingdom were forced to shut down, leaving them susceptible without constant watch from players and staff.

The club tweeted out the video Monday, noting that the Surrey Police will be investigating the vandalism and that anyone with information can reach them this way. To no surprise, the video was shared by many in the golf space. Justin Rose tweeted simply “Can’t believe this.” One of the club’s assistant pros, Sam Smitherman, tweeted out photos of the damage, encouraging anyone with information to please share it.

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