Submitted Photo Pictured is the damage that was caused over the weekend to the Chautauqua Point Golf Course in Dewittville. The nine-hole course will be temporarily closed as a result of the vandalism.

DEWITTVILLE — Chautauqua Point Golf Course in Dewittville is temporarily closed after vandals caused extensive damage over the weekend.

Jim Bradford, general manager of the nine-hole course, said he arrived Sunday morning to find ruts and tire marks, leaving a muddy mess in several locations. He said the damage was caused Saturday night by golf carts driving over the tee box and putting greens.

The incident was reported to the New York State Police and remains under investigation, Capt. Eric Balon said Monday. The damage was estimated at about $5,000.

“I’m very disappointed,” Bradford said, “considering we think we know where the carts are coming from and some of the people over there are disappointed about it.”

The putting green on the fourth hole sustained the worst of the damage, which Bradford estimates is 75% destroyed and will need to be repaired.

Bradford said the golf course will be closed as he works with his insurance company. He’s not sure how long the East Lake Road facility will be out of operation, though he believes it could be at least a couple of days.

Bradford noted that he has witnessed some vandalism in the 17 years he’s been overseeing the golf course, but nothing to this magnitude. He said the COVID-19 pandemic wasn’t enough to close the course to the public last year, but this has — made worse by its timing.

“We were just getting going,” he said of the busy summer golf season. “Hopefully it’ll be just a couple of days. I hope (those responsible) come forward.”

If discovered, Bradford said he fully plans to press charges.