Vandals shockingly damage golf course just days before start of The Open

Vandals have badly damaged a green on a golf course located just five miles away from nearby Royal Troon, venue of next week's 152nd Open Championship. 

The head PGA professional at the historic Prestwick St Nicholas golf course, Gareth Hardy, took to Facebook to reveal the damage that had been done by vandals overnight. 

The incident happened on the 3rd green. 

"So disappointing to arrive at work this morning to this [exploded head, angry emojis] really have no idea what goes through people's heads to do this," wrote Hardy.

"The week before The Open where we are expecting lots of visitors here at Prestwick St Nicholas Golf Club [sad emoji]."

Check out Hardy's post here: 

Angry golfers reacted to Hardy's post. 

"What an utter disgrace," commented one frustrated local golfer.

Another wrote: "Disgusting, they need locking up."

"This makes my blood boil," wrote another golfer.