VANDALS who have targeted a Prestwick golf course have been branded a "disgrace".

The head PGA golf professional at Prestwick St Nicholas Golf Club shared images online Thursday, July 11, which showed the extensive damage caused at the golf club.

Gareth Hardy posted pictures of what appear to be hundreds of divots taken out of the surface, in particular around the pin, which has left the green completely unplayable.

With the Open Championship just a week away, the Prestwick club is expecting an influx of additional visitors.

Thousands of fans are expected to flock to Royal Troon to watch the last golf 'major' of the year, and many had been expected to make the short five-mile trip south to play a round at St Nicholas.

Gareth says the club's greenkeepers have worked hard to fix the damage to the best of their ability.

Speaking on social media, Gareth said: "So disappointing to arrive at work this morning to this.

"I really have no idea what goes through people's heads to do this - the week before The Open where we are expecting lots of visitors here.

"It is just that green, and the greenkeepers have fixed it as best they can, but the damage is bad."

After the head professional shared the images, hundreds of locals moved to slam the behaviour of those responsible for the "disgraceful" behaviour.

One said: "Unbelievable. Who gets enjoyment from that?"

Another added: "Absolutely shocking! No one knows how hard it is to get the greens and course as good as they can be and now the recovery."

A spokesperson for nearby Barassie Links Golf Club commented: "Terrible news! We hope that our friends at Prestwick St Nicholas Golf Club can get it repaired.

"No idea what goes through people's heads to do something like this."