A MYSTERY golfer has left police and civic bosses in the rough after using a New Forest bowling green as his own night time fairway.

The phantom golfer has been climbing a gate and sneaking onto the bowling greens at night to practise his game, carving more than 200 divots into the grass.

But despite increasing patrols police say they have been unable to catch the person who has been damaging the lower greens at the New Milton Bowling Club in Whitefield Road.

Graham Flexman, clerk of New Milton Town Council which owns the greens, said: "We noticed chunks of earth had been disturbed and received reports that the security lights had been activated.

"We really want to catch who's responsible."

Club officials say the vandalism, which started in early December, has caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage.

The greens had undergone a heavy maintenance programme to recover in time for the new season in April.

Almost unplayable They would be almost unplayable today.

The divots are having to be handfilled with new earth, sand and grass seed.

A spokesman from New Milton police said: "A dispersal order for the recreation ground came into force on September 1 and during the six or seven weeks after that we moved on 70 youngsters.

"After that problems on the recreation ground reduced and we felt we no longer had a problem.

"Whether or not this phantom golfer is linked to these youngsters we don't know.

"It is fortunate that it's not the bowling season."

The spokesman added that patrols have been increased in the area.

"We are throwing manpower at it, but because the attacks aren't regular enough it is very difficult to catch anyone.

"But if anyone sees a youth or individual carrying a golf club walking along the street they should contact us."

Anyone with information can contact the police on 0845 045 4545 or anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.