Exotic animal encounters on golf courses around the world
It appears that the unofficial mascot of the 2016 Olympic golf competition is the capybara, the South American version of a roaming gopher, one of many exotic creatures roaming the fairways of the new Rio Olympic Course designed by Gil Hanse.
Despite local protesting of the construction, Hanse promised an improved natural environment, and the finished product, revealed for the 2016 games, appears to have delivered. The PGA TOUR reports the Golf Environmental Organization granted GEO Certified Development status to the course for "commitment and contribution to the enhancement of the environment."
For many of us, playing golf is when we're closest to nature, and wild animals are usually part of the package. Some parts of the world have more exotic inhabitants of courses than others. In Palm Springs, Calif., Bighorn sheep trot down from the mountains to roam the courses at PGA West. South Africa, of course, has legendary wildlife that roam near fairways. In Asia, monkeys are commonplace, while kangaroos can take over golf courses in Australia. In the United Kingdom, sheep and cattle graze on some fairways to this day. The southeastern U.S. shouldn't be sold short either; massive alligators and beautiful birdlife are abundant.
The capybara has inspired us to compile some of our favorite animals we've seen on the course, both in our own rounds as well as animals that have made a presence in professional golf events worldwide.
You can show us your animal encounters on Instagram using hashtag #LivingTheGreen.