TERRIFIED golfers jumped for cover when a car crashed through a hedge and sped up the 18th fairway.

Players at Bournemouth’s Queen’s Park were shocked to see the silver Ford Focus burst through from Queens Park West Drive and screech to a halt on the green.

The driver then turned and drove up the fairway before spinning round at the end and hurtling back towards them.

He eventually stopped and got out of the car, allowing golfer Jayne King to switch off the engine and grab the keys.

Police arrived at the scene and a man was arrested.

The drama unfolded just before 4pm on Wednesday, during the Bournemouth Open.

Jayne told the Daily Echo: “It seems funny now but it could have been carnage. The golf course is used by elderly dog walkers and children – it was a lovely day so it was busy.

“My friend and I had to jump behind a tree to get out of his way and it is pure luck that no one was hurt.”

She said her friend, Sandy Wiswould, was badly shaken and in tears by the time the car came to a halt.

“At one point he was driving straight at us” she added.

“Fortunately, we are both 51-years-old and able to get out of the way but if it had been some of the older golfers I dread to think what would have happened.

“He seemed to be looking for a way out of the course but the only way would have been to go back through the hedge.”

Bournemouth council’s parks manager Michael Rowland said the council will be seeking compensation to repair a hedge but there was no further damage. He said the golf course is open to the public as usual.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said a 25-year-old man from Bournemouth was arrested for driving offences. He has subsequently been released without charge.

“The police are not looking for anyone else and no other crimes have been reported in relation to this incident.”