Three greens at Beverley Park Golf Club have been damaged after petrol was poured on them over the weekend causing an estimated $20,000 damage and putting them out of action for more than two months.
The club's first and 17th double greens and the new second green were damaged in the attack which occurred overnight last Friday or early Saturday morning.
"Petrol was poured onto the greens causing immense damage and it is the second occasion that the second green has been attacked," club board member Phill Bates said.
"On the previous occasion after repairs and restoration works that took two months it was out of play for four months."
The club has lodged a development application with Georges River Council to erect a fence around the course, a move which has been opposed by local residents. Costings for the fence have ranged from $100,000 to over $400,000.
The Club's professional Paul Davis said the vandalism could cost the club about $20,000.
"It is one of the main reasons that the course needs fencing," Mr Davis said.
"Every course I have been involved with, and all courses in the St George and Sutherland Shire are fenced.
"There is well over $20,000 worth of damage, the extra time and effort required by the green staff to make good the damage and obvious loss of revenue, he said.
Former club captain Warren Emmerick, who has been a club member for more than 40 years said, "Damage like this did not occur in my day. It has become even more prevalent than ever of late and places incredible pressure on the already overworked green staff and the Club's financials."
Phill Bates is an advocate for the fence, not just for keeping out vandals, but non-member golfers, who jump the untidy and ineffective log fence with their golf clubs and play for free.
"Last Wednesday, during the biggest weekday competition, several players jumped the fence from Burgess Street and began playing," he said.
"When confronted by the Assistant Pro Rohan Thomson, they were adamant that they could play when they like for free because it is a public golf course.
"Beverley Park Golf Club is available to the public, but they must book in through the Pro Shop and pay for the privilege of playing on arguably the best course in the area."
Police from the Local St. George Area Command visited the scene late Saturday and are continuing investigations in the local area.
Any person with knowledge or witnessed a person acting suspiciously in this area last Saturday morning should contact Constables Wolf or Rugg at the Police Station on 85667499 or the golf club management on 95873424.
