A Surrey golf club frequented by Strictly legend Anton Du Beke has been vandalised after yobs carved a Nazi symbol onto the course and tore up the fairways with motorbikes.
Known for being one of the oldest clubs in Britain, the vandalism at Thames Ditton and Esher Golf Club has left the local community "shocked" and "distressed".
Nearby clubs - such as Wimbledon Golf Club and Old Cranleighans - have been targeted in a similar way.
Mark Rodbard, General Manager, Thames Ditton and Esher Golf Club said: "Waking up to find our cherished course vandalised has sent shock waves through the club.
Awful hate crime at @monicabeharding at Thames Ditton and Esher Golf Club - please help to catch those responsible and protect the common land for all to enjoy#vandalism #community #hatecrime pic.twitter.com/GA8RfqbiH4
— KB (@ks_blake) February 22, 2025
"This mindless vandalism doesn’t just affect our golfers, but the thousands of people who walk their dog, or enjoy the common land every week."
He further urged locals to remain vigilant and provide any further information to support prosecution.
Karen Davies, Ladies Captain, Thames Ditton and Esher Golf Club said: "The club and the team take deep pride in caring for the common land for the enjoyment of all, and it beggars’ belief why someone would do this.
"By working together, our community can help send a clear message to these individuals and hopefully lead to prosecution, and the green given time to recover."
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Since the golf club is located on ancient common land, it is unable to have CCTV monitoring or protective fencing which can be found at private clubs.
Beyond golfers, the land is enjoyed by swathes of the community - including students, dog walkers and those out and about for fresh air - and is maintained by those working at the club.
As a result of continued damage, the club has appealed to its local MP Monica Harding to seek immediate support.
Rodbard has added that anyone who could provide information that might help lead to a prosecution will be rewarded with a year's free membership or a pizza a month at the club house restaurant "as a thank you".
As a result of continued damage, the club has appealed to its local MP Monica Harding to seek immediate support
Google Street View
The incident took place just under a month after a trio of quad bike-riding vandals wreaked havoc on one of England's top-ranked golf courses - leaving a £100,000-valued trail of destruction in their wake.
Following the incident, footage emerged from Thorndon Park Golf Club in Brentwood, Essex, of three masked riders on two bikes riding roughshod over prestigious green.
The perpetrators left significant portions of the course unplayable after performing "doughnut spins" on the greens, sending chunks of turf flying into the air.
A statement on social media by the keepers on Tuesday read: "Let's talk facts. Two quad bikes got onto the course on Sunday afternoon and decided to do their best to destroy six of our greens and a number of tees.
"Devastated doesn't even cover it. Like all things, this can be repaired, and we will have it back as soon as possible."
