It's not the most cheery story to end the year on, but at least the outcome clearly displays the stoicism, dedication and professionalism of the guys on the front line in this industry.
Vandalism is a depressing fact of life for turf professionals. With access to some facilities being relatively easy, it's always a looming threat that some mindless individuals will take it upon themselves to ruin other people's hard work and pleasure.
So it was at the beginning of last week when the 10th hole at the historic Royal Musselburgh golf club on the East Lothain coast was targeted.
Overnight on Sunday 11th into Monday 12th December extensive damage was caused which appeared to have been carried out by a vehicle being driven over the course from the entrance on the B1361 then to the 10th fairway. Huge gouges were carved into the Winter Green.
The pictures on Twitter and in the local paper made it look like a complete mess. One can only imagine the hurt and deep disappointment which the greenkeeping team must have felt upon discovering the scene.
However, as is typical of the men and women who work in this industry, they quickly got to work repairing the damage with their efforts being praised by the club's officials on Twitter. A message the day after the incident said, "Well Done to Green Keeping Staff on getting the 10th winter green to a putting surface."
Craig Mackay, club president told local paper The East Lothain Courier, "Our greenkeeping staff will be working throughout the coming days to rectify the damage in order that members and guests can continue to enjoy the facilities we provide.
"The golf club is at the heart of the community in Prestonpans where a significant number of the club's members and staff reside and we have received many messages of support from the whole community.
"As a self-funding charity, this has a significant detrimental effect on us and I can only hope that those responsible are traced and dealt with appropriately by the criminal justice system."
Again reflecting superbly on the team at Royal Musselburgh, the club said the damage, which was initially estimated at around £1,500, had not stopped play. According to reports the course remained open with only some restrictions on the 10th fairway.
A Police Scotland spokeswoman said they were investigating the incident and anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101.
Whether this will result in any arrests or convictions? One can only hope.
The question then presents itself of what can be done to prevent attacks like this happening to other sports facilities in the future? Which is of course almost impossible to answer. There is a limit to what security systems can do to prevent a determined vandal carrying out their desires.
Maybe sentences need to be stronger to act as more of a deterrent? But again, how much are these people actually thinking about the consequences when they kick off with their destructive actions?
Our sympathies go out to Musselburgh and indeed to all clubs who have suffered at the hands of vandals this year. But more than that, a very hearty well done to you all, for your utmost professionalism and dedication at getting your surfaces back to playable again as quickly as possible.
Maybe your members and players don't say it to you as often as perhaps they should, but your efforts and skills are incredibly appreciated.
