A GOLFER was attacked with a crowbar by masked raiders who lay in wait to steal his new car.

The 32-year-old man was struck over the back of the neck by the two armed robbers as he walked across the car park at Rossendale Golf Club.

Police said the man, a sales manager from Rossendale, called for help and threw his keys into long grass next to the car park as he was attacked.

Players from the nearby 18th hole ran to his rescue and the men, who were wearing balaclavas, fled the scene.

DC Mick Smith, of Rossendale CID, said the golf course may have been targeted because of the number of luxury cars parked there.

He said the victim had been returning to his new silver Audi A4, which he had only purchased the day before.

The car was left on the overflow car park as the main one was full when the attackers struck at around 5.10pm.

They had been hiding in bushes at the Haslingden golf course when they jumped out on the man.

DC Smith said: “The offenders used high levels of violence and were armed with a crowbar.

“The victim has been quite lucky, it was a shocking attack.

“He has played a round of golf, put his club's into his car then gone for a couple of drinks in the clubhouse.

“On his return they jumped out, threatened him and then struck him on the neck with the crowbar.

“I wouldn’t advise members of the public to put up a fight in this situation, just hand over the keys.

"It is only an item of property and it is not worth putting your life at risk for.

“We think the offenders have probably targeted the golf club because of the chance of expensive cars being parked there.”

The victim was taken to hospital and treated for bruising to his neck before being discharged.

DC Smith said he believed the incident on Saturday was a one-off and did not know of any other incidents when golf clubs in Rossendale had been targeted.

“We are treating it as an isolated incident,” he said.

“There is nothing to suggest that the offenders will be back.

“We haven’t had any other similar incidents in golf clubs in the area but we would urge golf club members to be vigilant while around their cars.”

The attackers ran off towards Green Lane and a light coloured Renault Clio was then seen speeding off towards Ewood Bridge.

DC Smith said: “Green Lane is quite a narrow lane and I would appeal for anybody in the area who saw this car or anybody acting suspiciously to contact us.”

Anybody who has information is asked to call Rossendale CID on 01706 237347.