Creature Courses

Creature courses

Our recent visit to the cow and cattle strewn course of Iona made us wonder just what other creatures besides dogs shared the fairways with golfers around the world. Not just serendipity encounters (like these – Golf Gone Wild: 13 Crazy Animal Encounters You Have to See – Exploring Animals), but more residents (like theseTop 7 golf courses for INCREDIBLE wildlife encounters around the world).

I’ve already reviewed the following UK examples:

· NEW FOREST – Horses

· IONA – Sheep

· RICHMOND – Deer

Bit of research uncovered the following additions to the menagerie:

  • SKUKUZA, Kruger Park, South Africa – No fences so lions, elephants, baboons, hippos, crocodiles, and antelope roam the fairways and you must sign a waiver before playng.
  • ANGLESEA, Victoria, Australia – Home to over 300 eastern grey kangaroos.
  • HANDARA, Bali, Indonesia – Long-tailed macaques who are not shy about searching golf bags for snacks.
  • TPC SAWGRASS, Florida, USA – Gator land which is popularly featured on many Instagram posts
  • ELEPHANT HILLS, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe – In addition to its eponymous elephant residents, you will also encounter warthogs, impala, baboons, and guinea fowl.
  • FAIRMONT BANFF SPRINGS, Alberta, Canada – Elk (don’t expect quiet from them during your putting or driving during the rutting season).
  • MAUNA LANI, Hawaii, USA – Protected green sea turtles (honu) bask on lava rocks near the 15th hole.
  • FAIRMONT CHATEAU WHISTLER, British Columbia, Canada – Black bears and grizzlies are known to pass though in the summer especially near wooded areas.

Callander

Callander GC

Welcome – Despite the confusing sign at the entrance as the old clubhouse has been sold and the new entrance is a bit further down the road, Callander’s welcome was very warm and based on their Instagram post (see below) about their dog-friendly clubhouse, just as warm to canine caddies.

Walk – Quite a hilly course over all with lots of up and down.

Water – No water hazards and only a drainage ditch, but the 9th hole comes back to the clubhouse where one can restock hydration.

Wildlife – A few birds.

Wind Down – A number of dog-friendly eateries in town which is just at the bottom of the hill, but our favourite was Mhor Bread which had a very tasty selection of pies, sausage rolls and treats.

Callandar GC 2