Golf club targeted by vandals

Yobs damaged four of the club's renowned greens, driving a vehicle - possiby a 4x4 - in circles around the putting surfaces.

The club prides itself on never using temporary greens in the winter, and green keepers Lawrie Tremlett and Colin Martin have used all their skills to make good the damage.

They have worked on the damaged areas so that members can continue to play the course as usual. Lawrie and Colin reported for work at six in the morning when they heard about the incident.

Club secretary Joan Raffety told the Express: 'It's mindless damage. Our skilled staff have put tremendous effort into getting the playing surfaces to the standards that members currently enjoy. This very special place has been nurtured for 111 years. But my message for members and visitors paying a green fee is clear - the damage has been largely overcome and we are most certainly open for business.'

Inspector Viv Johnson of Lewes police said: 'Clearly this causes a lot of damage to the ground and also upsets the leisure activity of many people. This person deliberately drove out there and did this with the full knowledge that it would cause damage. This is malicious vandalism.'

Also targetted in a similar attack was the Mid Sussex Golf Club in Spatham Lane, Ditchling. The incidents took place within hours of each other and a similar vehicle appears to have been used.

Inspector Johnson said: 'With two on the same night and carried out in the same way, we looking at whether they are linked and whether this is some sort of protest. All options are open.'