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By Devlina Sarkar
Contributing Sports Writer
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Golf courses have long been a playground for reptiles, offering them ample space to explore. In March, during the Houston Open, cameras hilariously captured a caddie removing a turtle from the course—while it peed.
But it seems like turtles weren't done making their presence felt in professional golf, as they turned heads again, this time at the PGA Championship's Quail Hollow.
As the second major of the season kicked off with soft greens, Kardashian drama and 'mud ball' controversy, two uninvited visitors added another layer of drama to the event.
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The turtles again!
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The first turtle made its appearance when PGA Tour's Ryan Gerard managed to salvage his par at the 14th hole.
Meanwhile, the second turtle proved to be far more stubborn, delaying the first round after wreaking havoc in a bunker on the same hole. There was a literaly delay in play as tournament organizers were forced to address the wrecked bunker left behind by one of the turtles.
Despite the disruptions, the first shelled intruder ended up playing an indirect role in saving the day for one of the tournament's top contenders.
Turtle Saves Ryan Gerard's Round at Quail Hollow
Playing in a major championship is the pinnacle for many golfers, and for Ryan Gerard, it was no different.
The PGA Tour pro found himself in the top two on the PGA Championship leaderboard, living out a dream on home turf.
"It's kind of always been a dream to play a major championship in my home state."
"I have a lot of fond memories of Quail Hollow and went out there and played really solid for almost the entire day, and I'm really happy with how everything went," Gerard reflected after stunning first round of 5-under-par.
But beyond his stellar performance, an unexpected guest, 'a snapping turtle' played a role he will never forget.
With six birdies and an eagle, Gerard was putting on a show. But as he approached the 14th hole, his momentum appeared as though it would come to an end.
His chip shot rolled well past the hole and off the green. It had enough speed that the ball may have continued into the water, if not for the turtle, who was there to save the day.
As TV cameras zoomed in to locate his ball, a small head poked out from the grass.
However, former PGA Champion Rich Beem, who was sharing broadcasting duties then, quickly corrected the assumption.
"That's a snapping turtle."
"That will rip your finger off," he added.
The turtle briefly examined the course before moving back to the lake. Interestingly, it also earned a warm round of applause from spectators.
Shortly after, Gerard pulled off an eagle on the 566-yard 15th hole, solidifying his position at the top of the leaderboard—something big names like Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, Brooks Koepka, and Phil Mickelson failed to do.
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