JOYRIDERS are causing havoc at a golf club where burnt-out wrecks are par for the course.

Wyre Forest Golf Centre, based in Zortech Avenue, Kidderminster, has been besieged by hooligans who drive stolen cars around the fairways before dumping and torching them. Wyre Forest Golf Centre general manager Simon Price surveys the damage with groundsman Adrian Darby.

In the latest incident at about 11.30pm on Monday night firefighters were called out to tackle two blazing wrecks left by joyriders after they had damaged the surface of the course by screeching around.

Simon Price, general manager of the 150-acre site, said three cars had been dumped on the course this month in addition to "10 or 12" last month.

He fears the ongoing problem could harm business as the 18-hole course attracts many autumn and winter golfers due to the fact that it drains well.

A total of 800 rounds were played there last week.

Mr Price said: "At the moment we are still assessing the damage.

"They have broken through a hedge and driven cars around the course.

"They have also driven up round the Rifle Range and pushed the cars down the bank.

He added: "We're trying to secure the place but we can't get round quickly enough.

"We have put new gates on the entrance and are putting in steel fence posts and we must have spent £70 or £80 on locks this month.

"People just don't want to play golf on a scrapheap."

Leading firefighter Tony Wilks of Kidderminster station said the joyriders had rammed security bollards before driving onto the course and churning up the ground.

He added: "It's a shame. These people not only waste ratepayers' money but they also ruin people's enjoyment."