Out of bounds: Vandals rip up golf course, damage carts

JEFFERSON CO. (WITI) -- Someone tore up a Jefferson County golf course over the weekend. The vandalism is everywhere -- and the golf course's owner tells FOX6 News the course has been mentioned twice in Golf Magazine. This, however, is the first time the course has been written up in the police blotter.

The weather has not been kind to Spring Creek Golf Center in Whitewater -- and neither was a group who visited this past weekend.

Owner Mike Majewski tells FOX6 News the Par 3, nine-hole golf course was extensively vandalized over the weekend.

"26 years we've been here and this is the first time anything like this has happened to us," Majewski said.

On Sunday, April 26th, Majewski found most of his golf carts damaged.

Pictures show parts scattered along some of the greens. What wasn't teed off by vandals on the course was later discovered in the water on the course.

"Terrible. I can't imagine someone who would do something like that. I can't imagine where you get a thrill out of damaging someone's property," Majewski said.

The vandals left behind an estimated $50,000 in damage -- and nine golf carts were affected.

It's part of a crime that is described as a criminal joy ride.

"They missed the tree, which is probably a good thing," Majewski said.

The same cannot be said for a soda machine and a Port-a-John -- but the turf's condition is causing the most concern.

The vandals left ruts in the green and on the fairway.

Majewski says despite the vandals leaving "doughnut" tracks on eight of his nine greens, he's fortunate he won't have to replace the greens. To do so could mean shutting down business -- possibly for the season.

"Thank God they did not rip up the grass," Majewski said.

Majewski has offered up a $500 reward for the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Once other golfers heard about what happened -- they chipped in, and the reward has nearly quadrupled -- something that makes Majewski emotional.

"I'm having trouble talking. That should tell you a little bit...very lucky. I wouldn't trade my life for anyone's right now," Majewski said.

At last check, the reward sits at over $2,300.

If you have any information in this case, you're asked to contact local law enforcement.