DRUNKEN yobs have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to a private golf course.

Gangs of up to 50 underage teens have caused havoc at Blackwood Golf Club, stealing and breaking equipment, damaging greens, and leaving empty bottles and cans strewn around the fairways.

In the latest incident last month vandals completely ruined a brand new £1,800 green on the eighth hole by pouring weed killer over it.

The green was only laid in January and is now unusable.

Club secretary Alan Pritchard said: "Things are getting out of hand. We have always had small problems but now we seem to be inundated with groups of teenagers, aged 14-16 in gangs of up to 50 strong.

"You never know what's going to happen next."

Gangs of youths gather to drink on the neighbouring Blackwood Showfield in the evening and at weekends.

Some venture onto the private nine-hole golf course via a public footpath.

Mr Pritchard said flags, rakes and tee marker blocks are stolen or broken every week.

The yobs have also damaged a bridge between two holes, attacked the course tractor, set fires close to greens, and broken fencing.

They have ripped up turf, poured salt onto greens, and ridden bicycles over fairways.

Groundskeepers have collected thousands of empty cans and bottles from the course, and found full bottles of alcohol hidden away.

The club has forked out an extra £800 on a new golf buggy to patrol the course at night.

Mr Pritchard said the cost of the damage has not been passed on to the club's 320 members.

Blackwood councillor Kevin Etheridge said: "This unacceptable behaviour cannot be allowed to continue."

Neighbourhood police officer PC Carl Hughes said the golf course and surrounding area have been a police priority for the last six weeks, with officers increasing patrols, confiscating alcohol and sending Asbo referral letters to parents.

Police are now offering the club crime prevention advice.