Magazine: Hoons Hit Morack Golf Course
By Editor in Golf on 27th Jun 2008 6:05
Hoons tore up a prized Whitehorse public golf course, causing thousands of dollars' damage.
Morack Golf Course is beefing up security after three attacks in one week by vandals driving a motorbike and a car over greens. Police will also step up
patrols in the area around the Vermont South course.
The damage is a bitter blow for greenkeepers at the public course, which had weathered the summer drought to remain in good condition.
Course superintendent Mick Gossip lamented that a few minutes of hooliganism could undo months of hard work by his staff and cost $30,000 in damage and lost revenue. "I've got a good staff who are dedicated and it was a real shock to us all," he said. "We are coming into a bit of rough weather and grass doesn't grow in the winter so it could be another three or four months before it's back to where it was."
Whitehorse Council has made a significant investment in the course in recent times and had included $200,000 in the coming year's budget for continuing maintenance.
Cr Bill Bowie (Morack Ward) slammed the hoons and said the damage had caused "great inconvenience and upset" for people who use the course. "It is absolutely sickening that someone would get their kicks from doing something like this," he said.
"These crimes have damaged a valuable community asset and we will be taking a number of measures to prevent this sort of senseless act in the future.
"With three such incidents in a week, we clearly can't rely on the conscience of those responsible and we have to act."
Witnesses or anyone with information should contact Nunawading police on 9871 4111 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Source & More: www.whitehorseleader.com.au
Pictures: Joanna Fincham.
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 "Club employee Mark Carew surveys the damage caused by vandals at Morack Golf Course.")
patrols in the area around the Vermont South course.
 "Greenkeeper Campbell Horlock.")
Whitehorse Council has made a significant investment in the course in recent times and had included $200,000 in the coming year's budget for continuing maintenance.
