I'll never forget my first time playing golf in Mississippi.
After the round, one of the course rangers said:
"Man, you're crazy to stomp around in these woods looking for your golf ball. Aren't you worried about all the [deadly] Cottonmouth snakes in there?
I don't remember my response because my mind was screaming, "Now you tell me!"
And that's the point of today's tip:
There are many popular golf destinations with wildlife issues -- even if it's relentless insects during certain months -- but it's usually assumed you're aware of the risks and how to avoid being bitten, stung...or eaten.
So, want to avoid winding up in the emergency room...or worse?
Alligators in Cancun, Mexico (and Florida, South Carolina, etc.)
Not sure if you caught the headlines a few months back, but there were two alligator attacks in as many months at the Iberostar Cancun Golf Club in Mexico. One man lost two fingers and another's leg was shredded when an alligator (possibly the same one) lunged out of the bushes and attacked them. My advice? Make a lot of noise (yell, clap your hands, etc.) before looking for a ball off the fairway, and assume ANY roped off areas are dangerous, even if there's no written notice.
Fire Ants in Florida (and other parts of the Southeast)
As tempting as it might be, don't kick or otherwise disturb any anthill you see with tiny red ants milling around it. These pests have a way of latching on to your shoes, club, etc., and before you know it, they're crawling all over you. And one bite from these pests and you'll know why they call them Fire Ants.
Scorpions, Rattlesnakes, and Cacti in Arizona
If you're looking for your ball off the fairway in the desert, it's possible to stumble upon scorpions and rattlesnakes (especially if you're rooting around rocks and such). While most are not deadly, my understanding is that a sting or bite can still make you pretty sick. As for the cacti, don't go near the Jumping Cholla, even if you can see and hit your ball. The slightest touch and you've got a real problem with this plant's fishhook-like barbs.
Greenhead Flies in Southern New Jersey
Not every pest is poisonous of course; some are just painful and beyond irritating. For example, everyone from my hometown area knows about the dreaded Greenhead flies that show up in summer at certain golf courses near the beach. You can swat at them all you want, but they keep coming back. And when they eventually bite you, it feels like a needle and leaves a welt.
Black Flies in Massachusetts (and many other parts of the USA)
No, flies are not only a New Jersey thing. I have friends in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania who say the Black Flies that typically show up there between May and July are also ferocious. Be sure to ask around if the golf course/resort you're planning on visiting has problems with these bloodsuckers, and plan accordingly.
Do you have any local knowledge about how and when to avoid harmful or irritating golf course wildlife?
Please share your thoughts or read what others are saying below.
Never drink from an open can on the golf course, for that matter outside. I have known two people who did, one drinking cola, and the other beer. Both were stung by bees/hornets. One died from asphyxiation, due to swelling in the mouth throat areas; the other thought he was having a heart attack and learned at the emergency room he had swallowed a hornet, and it had stung him in his throat/lung area. That is why most courses serve beverages from iced cups with lids!
For the gnats in PA and the Sand Fleas in NJ try dryer sheets...rub them over the bill of your hat on the underside to keep them out of your eyes...they are seeking moisture. The smoke from cigars is effective also.
Come and play some of the courses in South Africa. Depending which course every thing from snakes, hippos, lions, crocodiles, monkeys, baboons (Sun City million dollar) and plenty of zebras. You name we have it.
Best advice is keep the ball where the lawn mower goes and you will be OK.
Mosquitoes in South Florida in July and August. Gotta wear long pants, and mosquito repelant for your exposed arms.
Hey fellow duffers - watch out for the snakes in Guernwood, Ca. Northwood is a great place to play long greens. But there is diamond back Timber rattlers here. I have seen one right close to my ball at the 4th hole. These snakes will not bother you unless you cross their path. We do have paper wasps in the trees, an scorpions under rocks.
Life is dangerous so are live balls flying the wrong way!
Ditto on the no-seeums, S.Carolina in the Spring--they itch worse than any ivy.
Black flies in the adirondacks in Spring--(May-June) There is no spray/cigar etc. to combat these blood drawing critters..
Pretty much the same here in Oklahoma as in Texas; with the addition of chiggers.
No-see-ums (Small flesh eating knats) are also a problem in S.C. around Kiawah and other courses in the area. Birds are a problem in Oklahoma around Altus and Lawton. They will literally attack you if you're too close to their nest.
In Texas they have ground so hard in the rough it will break your wrist. In Guam and the Pacific Islands they have coral on the sides of the fairway that will literally cut through your club; I have scars to prove it.
If you play in the Northeast, ticks are a real problem. I contracted Lyme disease from a tick bite while in Martha's Vineyard. Luckily, I caught it and got treated. Not treated, you can have lifelong nervous system damage. Be ultra careful if playing at a course with fescue, heather or other high grasses.