Cheshunt Park Golf Course in Hertfordshire has been forced to close after eight of its greens were vandalised, and the council that owns it says it will seek to recover the cost of repairs from those responsible.

Broxbourne Borough Council said those responsible broke in through the railings and caused “significant damage” on the third, fourth, fifth, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th and 15th holes. The circular cuts appear to have been made by people on quad bikes, and police said the grass had reportedly been damaged by a quad bike.

In a statement on Facebook, the council said it was “deeply disappointed” by what it called a “mindless act of criminal damage” that has had a significant impact on one of the borough’s valued leisure facilities. It said the damage is costly to repair and will affect hundreds of golfers who use the course. “Public facilities like Cheshunt Park Golf Course exist for the benefit of the whole community,” it said, “and it is completely unacceptable that the reckless actions of a small number of individuals prevent their use.”

The council said it is assessing the full extent of the damage and the repairs needed, but that restoring the holes will take time and considerable expense. Money that should go into improving facilities for residents will now have to be diverted to repairs, it said. If those responsible are identified, it will pursue all appropriate avenues to recover the costs and hold them accountable. It urged anyone with information to contact the council and the police.

Sgt Chris Fisher of the golf club’s neighbourhood policing team appealed for anyone who noticed anything suspicious in and around Park Lane to come forward. “I want to reassure the community of Cheshunt that we are investigating reports made that extensive damage has been caused,” he said.

The course, which is run by contractor Be.Broxbourne, closed briefly for repairs but has only partially reopened with 11 of its 18 holes in play. Repairs will continue to bring the rest back into use as quickly as possible. While the course is running at reduced capacity, all pay-and-play golfers will be charged the twilight rate throughout the day.