Greens at the Royal Hobart Golf Club have been torn up by suspected e-bike riders, with deep wheelie marks left across the course over two separate nights this past week.
The club appealed for public help on social media on Sunday morning after discovering fresh damage from Saturday night after similar vandalism occurred on Thursday night.
Club captain Alison Sully said the vandalism was particularly disappointing for course staff who work hard to maintain playing conditions.
She said the vandals needed a different hobby.
“They should take up golf,” she told Pulse.
“It’s gouged out. You can see where it’s probably skid marks and gouged markings through different areas, through the tee boxes and through some of the greens.”
Young riders on electric bikes have reportedly been targeting the course, with the club estimating repairs could take three to six months.
“We’ve seen some other bike riders on the course at different times, but we haven’t had this much damage,” Sully said.
Damaged areas may need to be sanded down or have turf replaced entirely.
The course remains open for play, with ground staff working to repair damage as quickly as possible.
“Our superintendent and his staff do a wonderful job by re-sanding and repairing as much as they can,” Sully said.
Parts of the course may need to be closed for repairs if incidents continue, with the club now considering security upgrades.
Sully said the damage caused distress to members and costs for the club.
“It’s our property … it’s very unfortunate, the damage it’s caused,” she said.
“It’s probably best if they obviously stay off the course.”
Tasmania Police have received reports of the damage and are investigating.
