Three reckless vandals on quad bikes have destroyed one of the top ranked golf courses in England, forcing it to close as police launch a manhunt to find them.
The trio, wearing hoods and masks, were filmed by a shocked dog walker on Sunday as they whizzed across fairways and performed doughnut spins on the greens of Thorndon Park Golf Club in Brentwood, Essex.
It is estimated that between £50,000 to £100,000 worth of damage has been caused to the course, which is the best ranked club in Essex and featured in the top 100 ranked courses in England.
Shocking footage shows the yobs speeding past a greenside bunker as they turn suddenly on one of the course’s greens, sending chunks of the manicured grass flying into the air.
The dog walker who recorded the footage can then be heard saying: ‘What are you guys doing?’, before the trio speed off to destroy other parts of the course.
Roughly 75% of the course’s fairways are said to have been damaged along with six greens and three tee boxes.
The course was forced to close for the entire day after the incident and currently, only 12 holes are available to be played by golfers.
Three vandals were filmed tearing apart one of the top ranked golf courses in England
A shocked dog walker captured the yobs speeding onto the green on Sunday before performing doughnut spins
It is estimated that between £50,000 to £100,000 worth of damage has been caused
Here is a look at one of the six greens which is said to have been destroyed at the course in Brentwood, Essex
Following the vandalism, the course was forced to close the following day
Huge chunks of turf was sent flying into the air as the yobs spun on the well-manicured greens
Bosses at Thorndon Park have since reported the vandalism to Essex Police, who are launching an investigation.
A spokesperson for the club said: ‘There has been a lot of damage caused by the incident. Certain holes are now unplayable, which has left us in panic stations.
‘At this time of year the grass doesn’t grow so we are facing some issues. We believe we have found the point where the riders accessed the course.
‘The bikes made their exit and headed towards Basildon. The police were called on the 19 January.’
To help raise funds for Thorndon Park Golf Club, a GoFundMe has been set up here where people can donate.
MailOnline has contacted Essex Police for comment.
