Members quit popular golf club after thugs rip up greens

Members have left a popular UK golf club after it was targeted by vandals again last weekend.

Off-road bikes and electric scooters are believed to have ripped up fairways and greens on Easter Sunday, prompting local police to get involved.

It happened at Burslem Golf Club, in Stoke-on-Trent, where the damage is currently set to cost tens of thousands of pounds.

The club has now called on the council to restrict access to the golf course, with ‘disgruntled’ players feeling resigned to quit.

“Further damage has occurred at Burslem Golf Course,” club secretary David Munro told Stoke on Trent Live.

“On Sunday, electric off-road bikes and scooters damaged the course, resulting in repair costs, loss of revenue, and the resignation of disgruntled golfers, leading to tens of thousands of pounds in accumulated costs.

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“This ongoing problem has cost our small inner-city golf and community hub hundreds of thousands of pounds over the last decade.”

Munro confirmed that the latest attack had been reported to police, while the issue has even been raised in parliament previously.

Unfortunately, vandalism at the 18-hole venue keeps happening.

“Despite efforts by our local MP David Williams, such as raising the issue in Parliament and holding meetings at the golf club with the council, local police, and club officials, the vandalism continues,” he added.

“Every incident is reported to the police. The access route from Salkeld Place should be restricted to personnel only and fitted with permanent stiles in different locations along its route.”

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A video of a separate incident in 2023 was shared on Facebook.

“To the mindless idiot/moronic person who is responsible for this criminal damage worth 1000s hope you’re proud of yourselves,” wrote one user.

“I want everyone to share this video and anybody with any information please get in touch this is not the first time so please help Burslem golf course. It’s there for the community, and we don’t deserve this.”

(Image credit: Stoke on Trent Live)

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 Tryst Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.