'Can't believe it': Beloved NSW golf course destroyed by vandal
Residents have been left devastated after a vandal destroyed the beloved Dunedoo golf course in NSW.
A 34-year-old man has been charged after allegedly tearing up most of the town's iconic course with his tractor on Tuesday night.
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The shocking act left most of the nine-hole course's fairways destroyed and the greens a muddy mess.
The man allegedly drove the tractor from the scene, but the hydraulic disc plough was left behind on one of the greens.
The club's general manager Ricky Bush said the course had been "ripped to f***ing pieces", devastating the small community of Dunedoo, about 90km northeast of Dubbo.
“You’ll never see anything for as long as you live like what’s happened to Dunedoo golf course,” he said in a video posted to YouTube.
“I’ve never seen anything like it."
Mr Bush said the devastating act of vandalism had left the small community in shock.
“People were just staring at the mess and starting to cry. They couldn’t believe it,” he told Golf NSW.
“The club is a community asset, a vital part of the town.
“We were the only sport in town which had kept going through the pandemic.
“We were only talking at our annual general meeting the other night about what we had achieved last year even with the pandemic, and now we have copped this.”
Dunedoo golf course out of action for months
The course will be out of action for at least four months, with the cost of rebuilding it yet to be determined.
The club posted a message of thanks on social media on Wednesday.
“Thank you to those in support for our club after what has happened to our golf course," the message reads.
"We would like to start on the course, but cannot do anything until authorities say otherwise.
"We will be back soon.”
The alleged vandal was arrested on Wednesday morning, and charged with a string of offences including destroying or damaging property, and using an offensive weapon to to commit an indictable offence.
While at the home, police also seized two unregistered firearms.
The man was granted bail at Mudgee Local Court on Wednesday and will face court again on May 5.
There should be a go fund me setup to help. This is absolutely putrid
— Jye (@jyeo411) April 29, 2021
Thinking of our friends at Dunedoo Golf Club after vandals senselessly attacked their pride and joy.
If you are able, please help them get back on their feet by donating via the link in the story below on the @GolfNSW website.
😭😡 https://t.co/m7Ejvq8hp8— WPGA Tour (@WPGATour) April 29, 2021
This is so sad. having started my golf on a country course in a small community I know how devastating this must be and how much work it will take to get up and running again. If you love your golf and can help them out, please do.
— Sue Thomson (@sue_squizz19) April 29, 2021
Australian country towns are full of awesome people and I’d imagine for many of the Dunedoo residents, this golf course is their happy place. I didn’t get the chance to play when I was around last but hopefully can when it comes back better than ever! Let’s help where we can!👇🏻🇦🇺 https://t.co/Qn6pMUBtXD
— Amy Walsh (@AmyWalshgolf) April 29, 2021
with AAP
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