Golfer scores a pelican – literally!
The unfortunate incident left feathers a little ruffled.
GOLFERS are used to shooting ‘birdies’, ‘eagles’ and even the rare ‘albatross’, but never … a pelican!
Unfortunately, the latter bird, which is rather rare to this part of the world, met its demise last Sunday when it was hit on the wing in mid-flight by a golf ball at the Port Shepstone Country Club.
It was a freak shot by a visiting golfer who was absolutely devastated when he saw the pelican drop. He and his playing partners abandoned their game and rushed to the clubhouse to call the SPCA.
However, the bird was too badly injured to treat and had to be euthanised.
“We are very proud of the wide variety of wildlife we are blessed with at our golf course,” said club manager, Carrie Pieterse. “We protect our birds in particular and nesting markers are often dotted around the course, warning golfers to stay clear.
“So one can imagine how sorry we feel about this pelican. But it was a freak accident and no one is to blame.”
