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Golfers forced to take cover from a hail of shots at Whangaparaoa Golf Club last week are asking the public to be wary of any further attacks.
A man and his father, whose names have been withheld due to safety concerns, are still shaken after the incident that took place around 4pm on May 31.
They say as they approached the 4th green, they could hear what sounded like bullets whizzing past their heads.
“I have only ever heard bullets on TV or movies, but it is a distinctive sound,” one golfer says.
After calling 111, the pair hid behind a bank. It took only around 15 minutes for the Eagle helicopter to arrive and hover over the scene.
“We thought someone was playing around with an air rifle, but every time I stood up to help Police locate the gunmen, shots were fired directly at me,” the golfer says.
Other golfers further up the course also heard the shots and took cover.
The attack went on for around half an hour, with shots fired in quick succession, some hitting trees and signs.
After so long under fire, the golfers made a run for it, jumping through a creek to get away. “The bullets appeared to be getting closer, so we didn’t want to stay put. There were so many shots, it must have been a high powered weapon.”
Police searched the scene, but could not find the offenders.
Senior Sergeant Steve Pivac of Waitematā North Police says enquiries are continuing.
Whangaparaoa Golf Club general manager David Herbert says the club has been speaking to Police since the incident to see whether the culprit/s could be identified to try and ensure there is no repeat of what happened.
“The understanding is that it was some type of BB gun or air rifle,” Mr Herbert says. “The players out on that hole were certainly shocked by what happened. We ask all members, visitors and neighbours to be vigilant and call the police if they see suspicious people on or around the golf course, or have any further information about the incident.
The golfers concerned say they also wish the public to be vigilant. “My concern is that these people seem to have got away with it at the moment so they could try it elsewhere. If the public see anything, call the police immediately,” the golfers say.
Anyone with information can contact Police on 09 426 4555 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
