Sick vandals have gouged offensive symbols in the greens at a family golf facility used by hundreds of children in Stirlingshire.
Staff say crude images of “men’s genitalia” have been cut into the course with “blunt instruments”. Brucefields Family Golf Centre in Bannockburn has been targeted six times this summer.
Company director Kirsty Burge, 36, said: “The hardest part for us is when they take blunt objects and score their names or rude pictures on to the greens.
“We’ve had symbols of men’s genitalia, which is really very unfair, because it leaves so much of a mark that we can’t really disguise it.”
The latest attacks on the facility were on Monday and Tuesday, when fixtures and fittings were also damaged.
Ms Burge said: “They have constantly been stealing flags and pins, which can cost up to £60.
“They either snap them or throw them into woodlands.
“This weekend they also managed to kick over two of the tee markers, which are concreted in, so they’re really going for it.
“The worst time is during the school holidays and it always happens at the areas which are more out of sight. It tends to be youngsters.”
Police have stepped up patrols at the family centre and yesterday officers issued an appeal for information about the vandalism.
A spokesman for the force said: “Brucefields Golf Centre is one of a few establishments in the Bannockburn area that provides excellent family-friendly facilities for the local community.
“Unfortunately, in recent times, not everyone appears to be treating the centre with respect. Mindless vandals again struck between Monday July 29 and Tuesday July 30, causing considerable damage to the greens and to a number of signposts.”
Ms Burge said: “We patrol the area, too, but it still happens. It’s just badness and very upsetting for the members here and the people that enjoy the course.
“It’s happened six times since the beginning of June, which is a lot. This is definitely the worst year we’ve had so far and I’d put it down to the better weather.”
Anyone with information about the vandalism is asked by police to contact the Bannockburn Community Team on 101.