Vandalized Minnesota Golf Course Receives Help from PGA, Ryder Cup Staff

Earlier this summer, Traverse County Sheriff's Office began searching for information after someone vandalized Wheaton Golf Course's number one green by driving donuts into it with a pickup truck.

Authorities said the incident, which caused "devastating" damage to the course, occurred on the night of Aug. 19.

Photos showed deep, large tire tracks that completely tore up the grass.

The Wheaton Golf Course announced a $5,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved, according to a news release.

Traverse County is located west of Alexandria, Minnesota, and borders North and South Dakota.

In September, county officials received some unexpectedly good news in the case.

When members of the 2016 Ryder Cup staff saw reports of the vandalism, they were inspired to help, understanding that Wheaton is a small community with limited resources to fix this type of damage.

The County Sheriff Trevor Wright announced that the PGA of America and its charitable foundation, PGA REACH, have issued a check to the Wheaton Golf Course in the amount of $5,000 to help defray repair costs.

In addition, knowing that the Wheaton Golf Course does not employ a full time grounds superintendent, Chris Tritabaugh, superintendent of grounds at Hazeltine National Golf Club, will offer advice and counsel to the Wheaton Golf Course management on techniques to repair or rebuild the damaged grounds, according to a news release.

On Sept. 26, Wright and Vice President of Wheaton Golf Course, Tom Frisch, were presented a check in the amount of $5,000 from the PGA of America at a military family golf clinic as part of Ryder Cup festivities.

Officials are still looking for suspects in this case. Anyone with information should contact Deputy Darrell Thomson at (320) 422-7800.

Images via Traverse County Sheriff's Office