How to stop golf course vandalism

It was just last month when the golf world was struck once again by golf course vandals, as Royal Eastbourne was claimed as the next victim. The 100-year-old Devonshire course had six of its greens torn to shreds, alongside six other greens being defaced on the nine-hole Hartington course. At the moment it feels like we have another golf course vandalised every week, it is crazy. 

This is a celebrated venue, Highly Recommended on Golfshake. As one reviewer said on this website, rating the experience at Royal Eastbourne: "Welcoming staff - course in great condition compared to others I've played locally. Greens were true and a decent speed for golfers of all ability. Will definitely play again soon."

Another said: "Fast greens, stunning views, good pace of play."

From just two of our members' reviews, it's clear to see that a great golf course, that is popular with so many, has been attacked by thugs.  

(Image Credit: Royal Estbourne Golf Club)

Vandalism Remains a Major Problem For UK Golf Courses in 2026

It's still early days in 2026 but we have seen several other clubs left devastated by vandalism. Nigg Bay Golf Club in Aberdeen had multiple greens torn up by bikes overnight, Dalmuir Golf Club also faced one of its greens being damaged by a bike, and Belfast Golf Club was forced into closing their fourth hole after an E-bike had torn up the putting surface. This issue is becoming far too common and causing far too much damage to golf courses all over the UK.  

It wasn't long ago when Howley Hall Golf Club in Leeds, home of Golfshake's Equipment Expert Ryan Rastall, faced approximately £50,000 of damage by vandalism, including the theft and destruction of their entire fleet of buggies, and significant damage to several greens. Howley Hall was forced into spending a great deal of money to create additional security measures, including a new gate system and a perimeter fence stretching along the entire side of the course. This undertaking cost around £90,000 for the club and all its members.  

It Seems Almost Impossible to Stop Vandals

The thing that truly bugs me about this major issue in golf, is how it seems defendant-less and consequence-free, as no one ever seems to be held to account or prosecuted for their actions. It is happening frequently, and the people doing it are constantly getting away with it. But it is quite easy to see why.  

Almost every golf course is my area has a public footpath running through or around the course, meaning anyone can get on the course at any time. Golf courses in the UK are struggling enough without having the added stress of having to increase security measures as Howley Hall has done. No matter how many security cameras are installed at golf courses, it is impossible to cover the entire course, and courses can’t have security guards roaming the grounds every night. The fact is, to me, this major issue seems almost impossible to stop. 

Could Improved Awareness of Golf Make a Difference?

Some would argue that mindless vandals will cause havoc regardless, but could improved education and awareness about the game and its venues make a difference? Rightly or wrongly, golf had an issue of being perceived as an elitist sport for old men. People inside the sport will know that this perception has steadily been reduced, but could this view of golf still be lingering in certain communities, making courses a prime target for these criminal acts?

I think it's hard to call. It's tough to work out what sort of motive there is to this crime, other than brainless idiocy. When discussing this topic at Golfshake, I brought up the idea that maybe the lack of golf exposure young people receive in the system could be playing a part in this crime further down the line.  

Could making young people more aware of the benefits of the game and the value of golf courses serve as an indirect deterrent to future vandalism? 

If someone has respect for something, they are far less likely to damage it.

Pushing Golf in Schools Could Become a Long-Term Solution

I think back to my times in secondary school, and the major lack of a spotlight on golf in PE. I'm no expert on the education system, but I feel like golf should certainly be pushed out into schools much more than it has been. The likes of the Golf Foundation are doing great work, so perhaps the game is now being presented more in schools, which is ultimately what I hope to be the case.

I'm not saying that this will fix this issue, it's far too complex a problem for that, but I think that it could have a chance of helping to prevent incidents further down the line.

The idea of getting kids and young people off the streets and into golf clubs might just be part of the solution.

If golf courses and clubhouses are widely viewed as open spaces and hubs for the local community, I'm sure we will begin to see this issue reduce in the coming years.