Seeing this sport on a TV in a bar just now and desperate for something slightly stimulating to occupy my mind, I wondered whether any wild (or domestic) animals are ever killed as a result of having a ball hit them. It could be a low-flying bird, a rabbit scurrying across the fairway, or a fish too close to the surface of a pond - or a human spectator. Has it ever happened? (Not including ants, etc.)
I, myself, personally, in the flesh, killed a robin with my drive on the first hole of the University of Iowa golf course in 1947.
We have several thousand snow geese who winter here and every year at least one is killed on the golf course. When the flock departs for Great Slave Lake in the spring there is a contingent of maimed birds, five or so, left behind. The coyotes take care of them in time.
I’ve played golf twice in my life.
The first time, I hit a duck. I’m pretty sure I didn’t kill it. The second time I played, I hit the mayor of our city. He died a few years later but I’m positive it had nothing to do with me.
[sub]I don’t play golf anymore…[/sub]
My dad killed a bird while flyfishing - it took the fly mid-cast, and got his throat slit from the inside in return.
Ten years ago I hit a goose square in the head with a poorly struck ball, killing it instantly. Million to one shot.
I have heard of numerous other instances of water fowl and turtles, frequent denizens of water hazards, dying as a result of being struck by a ball.
[Frank Costanza]
Million to one shot, Doc, a million to one.
[/Frank Costanza]
I’ve never killed anything with a ball. But maybe some fish when I hit my ball into the water.
Thanks, guys. I needed yet another reason to despise golf.
Anyone else read the title and think about the seinfeld episode with the whale?
-Lixi