Suspect On Go-Kart Leaves Extensive Damage On Norman's Westwood Golf Course

The Norman Police Department is looking for the joyrider accused of leaving damage throughout the Westwood Golf Course. Police said the suspect was riding a go-kart and has been seen in the area before.

An employee picking up balls at the end of the day on Tuesday happened to catch the suspect in the act. He captured video of the suspect leaving the property. The suspect on the go-kart took off when he realized he was caught on camera.

“It looks like a little Mario Kart,” said Brian Sullivan, Westwood Golf Course Assistant Superintendent.   

Westwood Golf Course Assistant Superintendent Brian Sullivan was shocked at the damage left behind.

“It’s big circles around every pin that was affected,” said Sullivan. “All the turf was spit out in the direction of the circles.”

Sullivan said in all, five greens were damaged. The course opened late the following day so Sullivan and other grounds crew could clean up the vandalism.

“This is probably the worst and the most aggressive,” said Sullivan. “I think if we were gonna replace some turf it would have been around here.”

Sullivan said they can put a dollar amount on the man hours and sand used to make repairs, but they cannot put a price on how it impacts their patrons.

“Every hole we see it, it puts us in a tough spot,” said Devin Pauley, golfer. “So, we’re adjusting our ball a little bit or just trying to play through it.”

Devin Pauley was not aware a go-kart caused the damage.

“That’s kind of disrespectful to the greens,” said Pauley. “You see the guys out here working.”

Pauley was not the only one disappointed someone in the community would take a joyride on a golf course.

“We were thinking he came up from the street and then popped up there and said, ‘Oh look, I’m on a golf course,’” said Sullivan.

Sullivan says the area the suspect snuck in and out of has since been closed off.  

“Vandalism like that is just so unnecessary,” said Sullivan.

Staffers said they have seen the go-kart several times near the golf course. They believe the person is also responsible for spray painting graffiti on the course.

Citizens are asked to call Norman police if they know the owner of the go-kart or have seen it in their neighborhood.