,Evanston, August 23, 2025
News Summary
In a late-night incident, two stolen golf carts were driven across the Evans at Canal Shores Golf Course in Evanston, causing significant damage to greens and irrigation systems. The joyride led to extensive repairs, costing up to $25,000. Despite the vandalism, the course reopened mostly by Sunday. Local police continue to investigate the theft and associated damages.
Evanston: Golf Carts Turned Vandal Wagons Leave Course in Rough Shape
Fast, messy, and expensive — a weekend joyride wrecks a recently renovated course
In the pre-dawn hours on Saturday, a run-of-the-mill college campus theft escalated into a local nightmare for golfers and grounds crews. Two golf carts owned by a nearby university were taken from the 1900 block of Orrington Avenue, near the Foster-Walker Residential Complex, and driven across the Evans at Canal Shores Golf Course. What started as a midnight stunt left tire-marked greens, ripped irrigation lines, and a course staff scrambling to undo extensive damage.
The theft was reported at about 3 a.m., and an initial call to police about off-road vehicles on hole 10 came in around 3:15 a.m. Officers from both Evanston and neighboring Wilmette responded but found no suspects on site. Surveillance footage from a nearby security camera later provided critical visual leads into how the scene unfolded.
A trail of damage across the course
The joyride left visible havoc across eight holes — specifically holes 4, 5, 7, 8, and 10 through 13. Groundskeepers reported significant tire mark damage on greens and fairways, with ruts and torn turf marring putting surfaces and approaches. The irrigation network also suffered damage in spots, raising the repair stakes from routine maintenance to potentially criminal property damage.
Estimates place the cost to replace damaged greens at up to $25,000, a painful number for a public-focused course that recently celebrated a full reopening after a $6 million renovation. That makeover was aimed at improving playability and youth programming, making the timing of the vandalism particularly bitter for staff and community volunteers who had worked on the comeback.
Where the carts ended up
The first stolen cart was discovered on its side at the intersection of Garrison Avenue and Isabella Street, missing a wheel. The second cart was located later in the day in the 2300 block of Sherman Avenue. Recovery of the vehicles helped contain some questions about direction and suspects, but local police and university authorities remain actively investigating the incident.
Operational and financial fallout
Course managers had to cancel most scheduled tee times on Saturday, a hit that translated to estimated revenue losses between $8,000 and $10,000. The only group allowed to play that day was a prearranged charitable event supporting brain cancer research, which was permitted to proceed with limited impact. By Sunday the course was largely back in play, with the exception of holes 11 and 13. Thanks to community volunteer help, hole 11 was made playable by Monday, but the recovery process continues.
Because the irrigation damage and the scale of property destruction may rise above certain thresholds, the case could result in felony charges for criminal property damage if suspects are identified and prosecuted.
Community reaction and next steps
The course serves local golfers of all ages and is committed to youth development programs, making this more than just a maintenance headache. Grounds crews and volunteers are coordinating to repair turf, restore putting surfaces, and get tee sheets back to normal. Meanwhile, investigators are piecing together footage and witness reports to track down who was behind the theft and reckless driving across the greens.
For golf fans who know the sting of a bad lie, this kind of damage cuts deeper — it’s time, money, and the disruption of community play. Course managers are asking for patience as repairs are prioritized by safety and playability, starting with the most heavily damaged greens and irrigation repairs that protect the course from long-term harm.
What golf lovers should watch for
- Updates from local authorities and university officials on the investigation.
- Course reopening progress, especially holes 11 and 13 that were still affected after Sunday.
- Volunteer opportunities to help with turf recovery and community restoration days.
FAQ
What happened at the golf course?
A pair of university-owned golf carts were stolen early Saturday morning and driven across multiple holes at the Evans at Canal Shores Golf Course, causing extensive turf and irrigation damage across eight holes.
Which holes were damaged?
Damage was reported on holes 4, 5, 7, 8, and 10 through 13. Holes 11 and 13 required extra repair time.
How much will repairs cost?
Replacing damaged greens could cost as much as $25,000. Weekend tee time cancellations also cost the course an estimated $8,000 to $10,000 in lost revenue.
Were the stolen carts recovered?
Yes. One cart was found flipped on its side at Garrison Avenue and Isabella Street, missing a wheel. The second was located later in the 2300 block of Sherman Avenue.
Could the perpetrators face criminal charges?
Damage to irrigation and greens is significant enough that the case could lead to felony charges for criminal property damage if suspects are identified and charged.
Is the course open now?
The course reopened by Sunday with most holes playable. Holes 11 and 13 faced ongoing repairs, and hole 11 was returned to play by Monday after volunteer efforts.
Who is investigating?
Local police agencies and university authorities are investigating, using surveillance footage and scene evidence to identify suspects.
Quick Reference Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location of theft | 1900 block of Orrington Avenue, near Foster-Walker Residential Complex |
| Time reported | Around 3:00 a.m.; call about ATVs on hole 10 at roughly 3:15 a.m. |
| Damaged holes | Holes 4, 5, 7, 8, and 10–13 |
| Estimated greens replacement cost | Up to $25,000 |
| Lost tee time revenue | Approximately $8,000–$10,000 |
| Cart recovery locations | Garrison Ave & Isabella St (flipped cart), 2300 block of Sherman Ave (second cart) |
| Course status | Mostly reopened by Sunday; holes 11 and 13 had limited access; hole 11 playable by Monday |
| Investigation | Local police and university authorities examining surveillance and evidence |
For golfers keeping score off the course, this story is a reminder that even small machines can cause big problems when misused. The club, volunteers, and investigators are working to return the greens to tournament shape as quickly as possible.
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Additional Resources
- Evanston Round Table
- ABC 7 Chicago
- CBS News Chicago
- Chicago Tribune
- Patch: Winnetka
- Wikipedia: Golf
- Google Search: Evanston Golf Course Damage
- Google Scholar: Golf course theft
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- Google News: EVANSTON GOLF COURSE THEFT
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