Pictures show scale of damage as its estimated up to 100 litres of diesel was poured over nine greens at Boldon Golf Club

Shocking pictures show the scale of damage caused in a pre-planned attack at Boldon Golf Club.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

It is estimated up to 100 litres of diesel was poured over nine golfing greens at the community-orientated club overnight between January 22 and 23.

More than a month on, pictures show the scale of the damage which could cost up to £70,000 to repair.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Steve Watkin, manager at the club, said: “It appears that diesel - we presume around 80 to 100 litres although we don’t have an exact estimate – has been poured on the greens in a pre-judged attack on the golf course.

Boldon Golf Club course manager Jack Hetherington on the damaged greensBoldon Golf Club course manager Jack Hetherington on the damaged greens
Boldon Golf Club course manager Jack Hetherington on the damaged greens
Read More
17 quirky South Tyneside terms and place names which will baffle visitors - and ...

"It’s absolutely devastating we are at the heart of the community in Boldon and a lot of members do live in Boldon.

"Both staff and members are absolutely devastated and distraught that this has happened.

"Someone has taken it upon themselves to attack the golf course – for what reason is beggar’s belief.”

An investigation is ongoing to find those responsibleAn investigation is ongoing to find those responsible
An investigation is ongoing to find those responsible
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

During the lockdown the club has had someone at the course every day to maintain conditions for when they reopen.

But renovation work is now ongoing around the affected areas however it is feared that, if the diesel has damaged the grass roots, it will cost thousands of pounds to repair.

The impact the coronavirus pandemic has meant the club was closed for 14 to 15 weeks in 2020 and will be for three months in 2021 but Steve says members have been extremely supportive.

The damage could cost tens of thousands of pounds to repair.The damage could cost tens of thousands of pounds to repair.
The damage could cost tens of thousands of pounds to repair.

Now the club, backed by Northumbria Police, are calling for anyone with information to come forward to find those responsible for the damage.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

One of the members has also offered a substantial reward for any information given to police that leads to a successful prosecution.

PC David Lavery, of Northumbria Police said: “We are carrying various enquiries to make sure we identify the person responsible for this damage, and once we have, that individual can expect a knock on their door very soon.

“We will continue to use every tactic at our disposal and would ask anybody with any information to do the right thing and pick up the phone.”

Anyone with information should contact police online or by calling 101 quoting log 452 230121 or through independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

You can subscribe to this website and enjoy unlimited access to local news, information and puzzles online. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Simply click ‘Subscribe’ in the menu.