GREENS and fairways at Haddington Golf Club are being damaged by an off-road bike and quad bike.

An investigation has been launched into the incidents, with those responsible being blasted by police and the golf club.

Greens and fairways on holes 6, 10 and 15 have all been damaged in recent weeks, with tyre marks being left on the playing surface.

Drew Ramsay, captain of the golf club, which is among the 20 oldest in the world, said the incidents had all been reported to the police.

Speaking to the Courier last Thursday, he said: “The greenkeeper was out this morning.

“Hole 10 was damaged but not too bad – nothing that is not going to repair – but only because they get to it quite quickly.

“You can quite clearly see the marks of the tyres: two big circles on the green. It is really heart-breaking.

“I know that the guys are working so hard.

“The club has never been in a better condition – we are up 120 members since lockdown.

“The club is going like a fair, everybody is raving about it and things are going good, with a lot of hard work being put in and you get clowns like that coming in and vandalising the place.”

The golf course, which dates back to 1865, has undergone a number of changes in recent years as it bids to attract more people to play.

Changes include the layout of the course being altered to ensure it can be played as two nine-hole courses. A driving range and short game practice area have also been introduced and proven popular.

Police Constable Colin Boyd, Haddington and Lammermuir community officer, urged people to get in touch with any kind of information regarding those responsible. The officer also warned that the bikes could be seized by police, and the people riding them potentially facing a number of road traffic offences.

He said: “Hole 10 was vandalised by what looks like an off-road bike and quad bike. This links to previous incidents at the golf club where the same or similar bikes have damaged a further green and fairway.

“There are also a number of reports that the same red and white off-road bike and blue quad have been riding around the Haddington area.

“We are following a positive line of inquiry.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101.