We're teed off! Leeds golfers want action to deal with biker bother

Regulars at Temple Newsam Golf Club say the bikers are riding roughshod over its two historic 18-hole courses on a near nightly basis.

The unwanted visits, which are said to have become more frequent over the last three months, are causing considerable damage to the Leeds City Council-run courses.

A trailer containing 950 litres of diesel was also dumped on its roof on one of the site’s pristine greens last Tuesday night while the pro shop at the clubhouse was the subject of a ram-raid two days later.

And today Temple Newsam’s golfers appealed for increased police and council patrols in the hope they will drive away the culprits.

Club treasurer Kevin Gallagher told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “The wanton vandalism that is being caused by the mindless actions of what may well be only a few quad bike riders is a serious concern for everyone who enjoys and values their golf here. The council has been repairing the damage but it has a finite amount of money to play with, we know that.

“We are obviously worried that if this continues we could reach a situation where the courses are no longer economically viable to operate. Losing a flagship facility like this one would be a very sad day for the city of Leeds.

“Hopefully it won’t get to that, though – all we are asking for is a little bit of help.”

The first of Temple Newsam’s two courses opened in 1923 and was designed by Dr Alister MacKenzie, the Normanton-born architect who also helped create the famed Augusta home of the US Masters golf tournament.

Its overwhelming popularity led to the opening of a second course in 1925, vindicating YEP reporter Bert Baker’s long-running campaign for the introduction of municipal golf in the city.