Sign up for our daily newsletter

Latest news, reviews, analysis and opinion, plus unmissable deals for bunkered subscriptions, events, and our commercial partners.

A popular golf course in England has been left ‘devastated’ by ‘mindless damage’ done by two vandals on quad bikes.

Thorndon Park Golf Club near Brentwood, in Essex, was attacked on Sunday evening and suffered ‘thousands of pounds’ worth of damage to greens and fairways.

Essex police said it was investigating reports of criminal damage to six greens, and more than half of the fairways after a video of the masked thugs appeared on social media.

golf course vandals
Six greens were destroyed (Credit: Thorndon Park)

“We are all obviously devastated – a lot of hard work goes into preparing the golf course for members to enjoy,” general manager Iain Evans told BBC News.

“The initial thoughts were a little bit of anger and then just astonishment that someone can cause that much damage.

“Just mindless damage to what is effectively a natural environment is just awful.

• Scottish golf club in last-ditch bid to stay open

• Golfer has contender for most ‘unbelievable’ hole-in-one ever

“Maintaining the surface and caring for fine turf is an art. We employ greenkeepers and now they’ve got the unenviable task of trying to recover those areas, trying to make them fit for play.”

The video shows two vehicles spinning on a green, while pictures from the club have highlighted the destruction.

golf course vandals
The damage is estimated to be over £50,000 (Credit: Thorndon Park)

Huge strips of greens and fairways were ripped out of the ground, while tire tracks were left all over the course.

Evans said that the 18-hole layout, a 1920 design by Harry Colt, has suffered vandalism before, albeit not to this extent.

He admitted a group of members have helped cleared debris, but it is “too early” to put an exact price on the damage. However, it’s expected to set the club back between £50,000 – £100,000.

• Padraig Harrington: Why can’t we have The Open in Australia?

• Tommy Fleetwood weighs in on Ryder Cup pay row

According to the club’s website, the course remains open although holes three to seven, and 16, were closed due to “extensive vandalism of the greens”.

Meanwhile, Ashley Mullin, a social media user who runs The Golf Supply account, said it was looking to raise £10,000 for the club.

“They have absolutely obliterated the golf course for no reason,” he said.

The fundraiser has already raised over £2,000 to help Thorndon Park recover.


author headshot

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.

More Reads

Image Turnberry green

The bunkered Golf Course Guide - Scotland

Now, with bunkered, you can discover the golf courses Scotland has to offer. Trust us, you will not be disappointed.

Find Courses