The Loop
Town offers $1,000 reward plus free golf for info on vandals that damaged its golf course
An acclaimed municipal golf course in Connecticut was hit by “some of worst vandalism in two decades” and is offering the two things golfers covet—cash and free golf in an effort to find the culprits.
According to a story that appeared in the Danbury News-Times, Richter Park G.C. in Danbury, Conn.—once a top 75 public course in the U.S., according to Golf Digest—is offering a $1,000 cash reward plus free golf for the rest of the year for information leading to those responsible for the extensive damage. The course is scheduled to host the Connecticut Mid-Amateur on August 27-28.
The News-Times quoted course superintendent Robert Dorsch as saying it appears a golfer may be responsible.
The first round of damage occurred this past Sunday night, where the 13th green was severely damaged by golf cart tire marks. The damage made the hole unplayable on Monday and took more than four hours to repair. Vandals hit again Monday night, again with tire marks providing damage to the fairways on Nos. 11, 12 and 14, holes well away from the clubhouse and pro shop.
Dorcsh estimated the damage at around $3,000, not counting lost revenue from closing portions of the facility to players. “I’ve seen damage in my day from someone joyriding on the course but nothing like this, especially on the greens,” Dorsch told the News-Times, adding that police have been notified and are investigating.
As for the reward, Dorsch simply said, “We just hope that someone with information about this will come forward.”