Golfers chasing more than birdies

Two golf course managers and a tournament organiser have beensentenced to house arrest for hosting two competitions featuring prostitutes and strippers stationed along the putting greens.

California Judge Christian Thierbach chided the three for their “immoral and illegal actions” at the so-called girlie tournaments.

More than a dozen prostitutes and strippers, including a 16-year-old girl, set up tents and advertised their services on boards, officials said. About 160 golfers paid about €180 each to play, though some showed up without their clubs, officials said.

Sheriff’s deputies wearing camouflage raided the second tournament, arresting 90 golfers and 17 strippers and alleged prostitutes, along with golf course workers.

Event organiser Sandy Juarez, 39, was accused of providing the prostitutes. In a deal with prosecutors, she pleaded guilty to conspiracy to corrupt public morals and testified against Hidden Valley Golf Club general manager Jason Wood, 38, and his former assistant, Darren James Bollinger, 30.

All three were sentenced to 125 days of house arrest.

Two golfers have been convicted of engaging in prostitution, and the mother of the 16-year-old prostitute is charged with child endangerment and prostitution.