A 12-year-old girl experienced a startling encounter while playing golf at Blackwell Grange Golf Club in Darlington when her tee shot landed next to a 6ft (1.8m) boa constrictor. The young golfer was enjoying a round with her group when she stumbled upon the coiled serpent on the par-4 fifth hole.
Unexpected Hazard on the Fairway
Resident PGA professional Aaron Cox, 40, who was guiding the group, described the moment of discovery. The girl hit her tee shot on the 353-yard hole, and her ball came to rest against the large reptile in the rough. Cox noted that the snake appeared calm and quiet, curled up in the long grass.
Boa constrictors are non-venomous but kill their prey, which can include animals as large as monkeys and pigs, by constriction before swallowing them whole.
Expert Handling
Cox, originally from Australia but now living in Darlington, County Durham, said he was not overly concerned, having seen larger snakes in his home country. However, the other golfers were more alarmed. He contacted head professional Peter Raine, and together with member Ian McDonald, they carefully guided the snake into a cardboard box using a buggy.
The snake initially seemed docile but became slightly agitated during the transfer. Cox remarked that in Melbourne, golf courses have warning signs about snakes, but he never expected to need them in the UK.
Rescue and Rehoming
The reptile was taken to Coast to Coast Exotics, a local pet shop, where it has settled in well and is eating. The shop has launched an appeal on social media to find the owner, suspecting the snake may have been a pet that escaped or was abandoned. Cox noted that the snake likely would not have survived the cold nights if not found when it was.
The incident highlights the unusual wildlife encounters that can occur on UK golf courses, with Cox stating it is not common to find a snake on a course in Britain.
