Three reckless vandals on quad bikes have destroyed one of the top-rated golf courses in England, forcing it to close as police launch a manhunt to find them.
The trio, wearing hoods and masks, were filmed by a shocked dog walker on Sunday as they zoomed around the fairways and performed donut spins on the greens of Thorndon Park Golf Club in Brentwood, Essex.
It is estimated that between £50,000 and £100,000 worth of damage was caused to the course, which is the top-ranked club in Essex and included in the top 100 ranked courses in England.
Shocking footage shows the boys speeding past a greenside bunker as they suddenly enter one of the course's greens, sending chunks of the manicured grass flying into the air.
The dog walker who recorded the footage can be heard saying: 'What are you doing?', before the trio speed off to destroy other parts of the course.
About 75% of the course's fairways are said to have been damaged, as well as six greens and three tee boxes.
The track was forced to close for the entire day after the incident and is currently alone There are 12 holes available for golfers.
Three vandals were filmed destroying one of the top ranked golf courses in England
A shocked dog walker captured the boys speeding onto the green before performing donut spins on Sunday
It is estimated that between £50,000 and £100,000 worth of damage was caused
Here's a look at one of the six greens reportedly destroyed at the course in Brentwood, Essex
As a result of the vandalism, the track was forced to close the next day
Large chunks of grass flew into the air as the yobs spun around on the well-manicured greens
Thorndon Park bosses have now reported the vandalism to Essex Police, who are launching an investigation.
A club spokesman said: 'A lot of damage has been caused by the incident. Certain holes are now unplayable, which has caused us to panic.
'At this time of year the grass is not growing so we are facing a number of problems. We think we have found the point where the riders reached the course.
'The bikes left the road and headed towards Basildon. The police were called on January 19.'
To raise money for Thorndon Park Golf Club, a GoFundMe has been set up here for people to donate.
MailOnline has contacted Essex Police for comment.
