Escaped horses cause huge damage to golf course
By Alistair
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Up to 50 horses have run across Market Harborough Golf Club in Leicestershire’s course, causing damage running into thousands of pounds.
The animals had escaped out of a neighbouring field.
Chairman Steve Winder told the Harborough Mail: “I dashed along to the club with our five greenkeepers and about 10 to 15 volunteers.
“We were trying to corral and chase up to about 50 excited horses charging about off the course and back into their field.
“They charged through a hedge chasing our sweet, juicy green grass. It must be one big adventure for the whole herd and I can see why they love it.
“But it’s a huge problem for us. They inflict serious damage digging up the greens and trampling all over our fairways.”
The club stalwart said it will take months to restore the highly-rated course to its former pristine glory.
“This is a massive blow. We’re a small club and we’re struggling for finance so this couldn’t have come at a worse time.
“We’ve taken a major hit in our finances. It’s soul-destroying, especially for our brilliant greenkeepers, to see the havoc that’s been wreaked.
“It will be all hands on deck as we battle to repair the damage as quickly as possible. Volunteers will work on the fairways with pitchforks to pull the battered grass back up.
“We’re also putting up electric fencing to try to deter the horses.”
“We’ve got about 550 members and were set up in 1898, some 121 years ago.
“We’re a fantastic club but we can’t carry on if this becomes a persistent problem.
“We’ve no idea where these horses come from.
“But I would appeal to their owners to take responsibility for their animals and make sure this doesn’t happen again.
“We’re all neighbours so let’s live together and work together for everyone’s sake.”
By Alistair
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