A teenager who turned a golf course into a racing track after joy riding in a stolen buggy has been given a community order.

Jordan Noel, 18, of Bramley Hill, South Norwood admitted taking the vehicle, worth £4000, without consent at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

The court heard how Mr Noel had been on the bus and had met a friend called Adam, who asked him if he wanted to “do something”.

The boys, along with three unknown others, started the buggy using a house key and began careering round the Selsdon Park Hotel course.

Starting at the first hole, the buggy dodged bunkers and flung round doglegs before being spotted at the 16th hole cruising down the fairway by a member of staff.

The police were called and following a search, Noel was found hiding in woods next to the course.

He admitted taking the buggy but said it was “only a bit of fun” and did not intend to sell it.

Lead magistrate Derek Cock, sentencing, said: “It was a silly thing to have done.

“You are an adult now and must behave yourself in the future.”

Noel was given a 12 hour attendance order lasting six months.