PONTE VEDRA, Fla. — An apparent golf cart joy ride has caused extensive damage to two greens on the golf course at the Sawgrass Country Club. Police are still searching for the vandals responsible.
"It's very disappointing," said Greg Lecker, director of golf at Sawgrass.
Disappointing and bad timing. The greens are currently being renovated for the first time in nearly 25 years.
The damage has now caused a setback for that project. Lecker said maintenance crews first noticed what looked like golf cart tracks all over two greens Friday morning.
According to the police report, a golf cart "spun donuts" causing the damage.
Photos taken by workers show the extent of the damage -- huge circles of tracks in the grass, destroying it.
"It's in the process of growing in; we just sprigged it and seeded it," said Lecker. The vandals left the development with a hefty bill.
"It's going to probably exceed close to $10,000," said Lecker.
The money to fix it isn't the only problem. Lecker said renovations were supposed to wrap up soon.
"Our planned opening is late October, maybe early November, and with what's happened here last week, it's probably going to back us up maybe a week or two," said Lecker.
Sawgrass sent out notices to all homeowners asking for them to keep an eye on any activity on the course after dark. In the meantime, Lecker has a message for the vandals.
"They should really think about finding different ways to have fun," said Lecker.
Suspects will face a charge of criminal mischief; and if convicted, they possibly will have to pay restitution. Most of the damage has already been repaired.
WJAX
