Tales of alcohol – or rather the lack of it for the younger folks – and crocodiles, provided a little cheer for followers of the game over the past few days.
Hoping to attract a more dignified crowd at this week’s FBR Open in Scottsdale, Arizone, organisers have decided to impose on-course drinking restrictions for spectators.
This video demonstrates an all too common occurrence at past events:
Fans who want to indulge will be asked to wear an age-identifying wristband that proves they are at least 21 years of age or older – the legal age for consuming alcohol in the state.
Tournament chairman Tim Louis was quoted as saying on azcentral.com:
“The purpose is to ensure that everyone that’s out here drinking beer or any alcoholic beverage is of legal age. That’s a very simple purpose. It’s the law.â€
Maybe also to ensure a more sedate, or sober, experience for everyone involved.
Not only that, even legal drinkers will be hit with a two-drink limit per customer per purchase, with organisers again citing state law.
If fans don’t think they are serious, even with the wristbands, they had better watch out.
Around 20 investigators from the Arizona Department of Liquor License & Control will be walking the course of the PGA Tour event with spectators to take action against under-age drinkers and those who sell them any alcohol.
At least they don’t have to worry about crocodiles, which cannot be said for hackers at a golf course in Townsville, Australia.
A small crocodile has decided to move into the lake at the 14th hole of the Willows Golf Club. Although the three-foot reptile posed “no significant threat†to golfers, the club is not taking any chances.
Club owner Don Matheson was quoted by AP as saying:
“It’s quite novel that we have got a croc who has made his home here. If we allowed it, he would stay here.â€
The croc found refuge in the lake after floods swept it on to the course, with wildlife authorities warning residents to be wary of other flood-affect animals such as snakes.
Watch this video for proof that some golfers don’t read signs when it comes to crocodiles!
As you would expect this situation is covered in the Rules of Golf!
The Rules accept that it is unreasonable to expect the player to play from such a dangerous situation and unfair to require the player to incur a penalty. So, in equity (Rule 1-4), as an additional option, the player may, without penalty, drop a ball on the nearest spot, not nearer the hole, that is not dangerous. Decision 1-4/10.