WATCH | Motorcyclists vandalise top UK golf course during lockdown

Despite being shut for play during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic lockdown, a top English golf course has been vandalised.

Walton Heath Golf Club, situated in Surrey and host to the 1981 Ryder Cup (won 18.5 to 9.5 by the USA) and the 2018 British Masters (won by England's Eddie Pepperell), was vandalised by four dirt-bikers.

Walton Heath, which annually hosts the US Open sectional qualifying tournament in England, was founded in 1903 and has been consistently rated in the UK's top 100 courses.

One of the club's assistant pros, Sam Smitherman, tweeted photos of the damage to the course, in particularly the 1st green, while Justin Rose, who played host to the British Masters two years ago, tweeted: "Can’t believe this".

The club has asked anyone with information to contact Surrey police.

In the video below - which does contain explicit language - one can see the assailants spinning tyres and riding on the fairway.

Unfortunately, as you may have seen, Sunday at around 18.45, we were subjected to vandalism by motorcyclists on the course. This has been taken to the police who are investigating but if anyone has any info, please contact the club or @SurreyPolice. We thank you for your support pic.twitter.com/rRXumDsBRT

— Walton Heath Golf Club (@waltonheath_gc) April 27, 2020

Unfortunately we were subject to some vandalism on Sunday. Words fail me sometimes. Skidding motorcross bikes over greens causing huge damage, at a time where they shouldn’t even be out. If you know who they might be please get in touch with @SurreyPolice or @waltonheath_gc pic.twitter.com/O6ffrJg5LL

— Sam Smitherman PGA (@S_SmithermanPGA) April 27, 2020

Can’t believe this @waltonheath_gc @EuropeanTour #StayHome https://t.co/JUUdZLO2Aa

— Justin ROSE (@JustinRose99) April 27, 2020