Shocking Vandalism at Golf Club of Houston

The home of the Shell Houston Open was vandalised for the second time this year

Vandalism at Golf Club of Houston: the host of the Shell Houston Open had its 14th green vandalised yesterday in disgusting fashion

Shocking Vandalism at Golf Club of Houston

The Golf Club of Houston has had one if its greens vandalised for the second time this year.

Brian Bucker, the Director of Agronomy at the club, yesterday tweeted this photo of the 14th green showing disgusting damage.

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The Shell Houston Open on the PGA Tour takes place the week before the Masters and is hailed for its Augusta-like course conditions which make it perfect preparation for the season's first major championship.

This year's tournament was won by Jim Herman who recorded his first ever PGA Tour win and gained entry into the Masters.

Vandalism at Golf Club of Houston

If it's any consolation the staff have the best part of 11 months to repair it for next year's playing, although you do feel for members and guests who will be affected by it during play.

You have to feel for the greenkeepers as well who work extremely hard day-in day-out to keep the course in fine shape.

The vandalism at the Golf Club of Houston is thought to be two four-wheeler trucks who must have snuck onto the property during the night.

Golf Club of Houston Vandalism

The 14th hole at Golf Club of Houston during the Shell Houston Open

The Golf Club of Houston's 16th hole was also vandalised back in January where a golf cart did 'donuts' on the green.

Why do people vandalise golf courses and how can we prevent golf course vandalism? Do golf courses need cameras or fences blocking entry during the night?

There is simply no answer for that and we can only hope the guilty suspects are found and punished.

At Golf Monthly we send our regards to the club and wish them well with recovery.

If you have any pictures or stories about vandalism at a golf course near you, contact us on our social media channels.

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Elliott Heath
News Editor

Elliott Heath is our News Editor and has been with Golf Monthly since early 2016 after graduating with a degree in Sports Journalism. He manages the Golf Monthly news team as well as our large Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. He covered the 2022 Masters from Augusta National as well as five Open Championships on-site including the 150th at St Andrews. His first Open was in 2017 at Royal Birkdale, when he walked inside the ropes with Jordan Spieth during the Texan's memorable Claret Jug triumph. He has played 35 of our Top 100 golf courses, with his favourites being both Sunningdales, Woodhall Spa, Western Gailes, Old Head and Turnberry. He has been obsessed with the sport since the age of 8 and currently plays off of a six handicap. His golfing highlights are making albatross on the 9th hole on the Hotchkin Course at Woodhall Spa, shooting an under-par round, playing in the Aramco Team Series on the Ladies European Tour and making his one and only hole-in-one at the age of 15 - a long time ago now!


Elliott is currently playing:


Driver: Titleist TSR4

3 wood: Titleist TSi2

Hybrids: Titleist 816 H1

Irons: Mizuno MP5 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland RTX ZipCore 50, 54, 58

Putter: Odyssey White Hot OG #5

Ball: Srixon Z Star XV