Rochford Hundred Golf Club in Essex Targeted by Vandals
Second Incident of Vandalism in Six Months
Rochford Hundred Golf Club in Essex has been hit by a second incident of vandalism within the last six months, causing significant damage to two greens on the 18-hole course. The Southend-based venue previously suffered a minor attack in February, but this latest act was far more destructive.
Extent of Damage and Response from Club Officials
The vandals used a shovel to dig up almost the entire 5th and 16th greens, leaving them almost entirely destroyed. Groundsmen discovered the damage on the morning of September 19, just days before a scheduled men’s competition at the club. Despite the setback, club officials are steadfast to proceed with the event.
Roger Fearn,director of golf operations at Rochford Hundred Golf Club,stated that they are currently in discussions with insurers regarding the cost of repairs,which could amount to hundreds of pounds. He expressed his disappointment over the incident and praised head groundsman David Rand and his team for their hard work amidst challenging conditions.
Community Support and Concerns from Residents
Long-time member Ivor Finer believes that those responsible for the vandalism must have a personal grudge against the club due to their targeted approach.The local community has rallied behind Rochford Hundred Golf Club, with one individual offering a £1,000 reward for information leading to apprehending the culprits.
Local residents like Karen Amber have expressed concerns about an increase in anti-social behavior in Rochford. She highlighted that such acts of vandalism were uncommon until recently and emphasized that it is tarnishing what is otherwise a peaceful area to live.
Rochford Hundred Golf Club is facing challenges following this latest incident but remains resilient with support from its members and neighboring clubs. The authorities are investigating this act of vandalism as part of efforts to maintain safety and security within the community.