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Incoming general manager Mike Reid says the damage was discovered on Wednesday morning May 13.
It appears that during the previous night, a vehicle drove onto the course somewhere near the Mangatawhiri Road and Broadlands Drive roundabout, and did six or seven wheelies around the hole, completely destroying the surface.
Repairing the damage could cost the non-profit club anywhere between $30,000 and $40,000.
“It’s a real kick in the guts,” Mike says. “‘Bitterly disappointed’ is probably the nicest way to describe how we feel at the moment.”
Police say the incident appears to have been a one-off stunt. They are examining security camera footage and interviewing a neighbour who thought they heard a car around 10pm.
Just last month, the club held a charity golf day, which raised over $110,000 for Warkworth Wellsford Hospice and general maintenance at the club.
“The club gives a tremendous amount back to the community and a lot of the work that we do is contributed by volunteers,” Mike says.
While repairs will be attempted as quickly as possible, he says it won’t happen overnight.
“Building a green is a highly specialised business. Once the police have finished their investigation at the site, we’ll need to assess the damage to the irrigation system and the other stuff that’s below the surface. Re-growing the grass at this time of year will be especially hard but the alternative of sourcing ready-turf will be costly.
“We’ll have to come up with some creative solutions in the interim. After all, who wants to play on a 17-hole golf course!”
If anyone has any information, they are asked to contact Warkworth Police on 425 8109 or information can be given anonymously at Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
