Chemicals Spilled, Fire Set at Edina Country Club

A substantial amount of damage was done to the green surrounding the Edina County Club's 10th hole late last week, including a smattering of bird seed, chemical spills and a small fire. 

Police said the 10th hole was filled with lighter fluid or some other accelerant, then lit on fire sometime between 6 p.m. Thursday, June 2, and 5 a.m. Friday, June 3. The same accelerant was spilled in several other locations near the hole, according to police.

Police Spokeswoman Molly Anderson said there was also burnt bark inside of the cup when officers surveyed the scene.

"We don't yet have a dollar amount for the damage done to the course," Anderson said.

Those same suspects reportedly spread a substantial amount of bird seed in the same area, located near the intersection of Golf Terrace and Wooddale Avenue.

Golf Course Superintendent Brandon Schindele said the green will be fixed without much difficulty, though he found the incident particularly troubling given the close proximity between a pine tree and the fire.

"Pine needles as many of you know can start a major fire," Schindele wrote in a message to club members. "With surrounding homes that could also start on fire with the excessive wind we have experienced over this past week, we could have some drastic damage that could easily be avoided. "

The golf course is off limits during the final part of the grow-in season, particularly at night. Schindele said he and other golf course officials have escorted children from the course who thought it was OK to use it as a shortcut. 

Police are conducting additional patrols around the perimeter of the course in the wake of the vandalism, with club officials urging community members to keep an eye peeled for any suspicious conduct in the area.

"For those members that have homes that border the club and the golf course, please do not hesitate to call the police if you suspect strange activity around or on the course," Schindele said.