The damage list includes six greens dug up, 28 sprinklers smashed while operating, 16 flag sticks removed and broken, 24 bunker rakes smashed, and two golf cups and one tee sign damaged.

Catalina Country Club chief executive officer Richard Hogg said the act of vandalism had put a dampener on spirits of club staff, members and visiting golfers.

And he said it didn’t make things any easier at a time when everyone was tightening their budget.

The club’s golf superintendent Tony Fogarty said the damage meant staff spent about a week cleaning up and replacing damaged items.

“This is not a private course, it’s a community asset,” Mr Hogg said.

“It’s a course where any member of the public can come and have a game of golf.”

He said the club ran programs for

disadvantaged children and hosted charity golf days such as the forthcoming Batemans Bay Police Charity Golf Day to raise money for children with severe illnesses. It also hosts tournaments such as the Capital Coast Tournament and the PGA National Futures Championship.

A police spokesman said anyone with information about the vandalism should go to the Batemans Bay Police Station or call CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.