MINOT, N.D. (KMOT) – A snowmobile vandal damaged two Minot golf courses over the holiday break.
Minot Parks Director of Operations Jarrod Olson said they found damage from a snowmobile on five greens between the Souris Valley Golf Course and Jack Hoeven Wee Links.
“Golf course staff was out checking the course. They notice the damage. We’ve taken pictures and reported it to the Minot Police Department,” said Olson.
Surveillance footage shows the incident happened on the Sunday after Christmas.
The park district is calling the damage vandalism.
Olson said it may take thousands of dollars to fix.
“An average of $5,000 to $6,000 a green. And then you’re also looking at bringing sod for that, certain type of sod,” said Olson.
Crews won’t know the full extent of the damage until spring, when the snow thaws.
“If the damage to the greens are severe enough, we may have to resod the greens. Then you’re also looking at growing times for the greens to be playable,” said Olson.
Olson said even with the video footage, they can’t fully identify the snowmobile driver.
“In their mind, they’re probably thinking, ‘Oh, it’s an open area. It’s not damaging anything.’ Well, unfortunately, it is. And motor vehicles, snowmobiles, ATVs and UTVs are not allowed on our properties,” said Olson.
Dollars spent repairing these greens may take away money from much-needed maintenance and future projects.
But despite the setback, Olson said crews will continue to monitor the courses and prepare them for the spring.
This isn’t the first time the greens have faced vandalism.
Olson said they deal with these issues quite frequently.
Minot Parks encourages anyone who has information regarding the incident to contact the police.
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