Prank Costs West Des Moines Golf Course More Than a Grand

Suspects out for an overnight joyride made life difficult for the golfers who regularly tee off at West Des Moines’ only public golf course, , 140 Army Post Road.

When the heads groundskeeper reported to work about 6:30 on June 5, about a dozen tee markers were missing and the sod and grass had been damaged by the vandals’ getaway vehicle. Together, the tees were worth about $1,000.

Joe Shafer, Willow Creek’s golf pro, told Officer Anthony Giampolo that it appears the suspect or suspects drove the vehicle to the tees and grabbed the flags without ever getting out of his ride. There were no visible footprints, according to the report on file at the West Des Moines Police Department.

It appears access was gained from Pine Avenue, a gravel road recently covered with oil for dust control. Oily tire tracks were seen at the entrance to the bike trail, which eventually leads to Willow Creek.

There are no suspects, but similar activities have happened in the past, Shafer said.