Jun 062014
 

Original story at ABC News

You would be happy with a double eagle on the golf course, but a pair of crocs is enough to make any player choke.
Two crocodiles have been moved to a golf course near Cairns. Photo: Sukree Sukplang/Reuters

Two crocodiles have been moved to a golf course near Cairns. Photo: Sukree Sukplang/Reuters

Two crocodiles, both about a metre long, have taken up residence at a Yorkeys Knob golf club near the far north Queensland city of Cairns.

But Half Moon Bay Golf Course manager Greg Ferry reckons they are more of a novelty than a threat.

“A few of the golfers are mentioning there’s a few other hazards around,” he said.

“They aren’t really much of a danger at the moment, they’re a bit of a joke and people are interested in having a look at them.”

The pair, who live in separate lakes on the club’s grounds, come within about 15 metres of a couple of the holes on the course.

Warning signs are dotted around the place and rangers are monitoring the reptiles to ensure they do not pose a danger to golfers.

Mr Ferry says crocs have been living on the golf course since it opened in 1969.

“The crocs seem to come from Half Moon River, which is joining our property,” he said.

“They crawl across the land at night time and make themselves at home in the little lakes.”

About 18 months ago, a 2.5 metre reptile had to be removed from one of the lakes and the current residents may soon be moved on.

The crocs have never attacked or lurched at anyone, but Mr Ferry says he’s noticed a few birds have gone missing.

“I’m not sure what they eat but I have seen a few bird feathers so they must go for a few of the birds now and again.”

Mr Ferry says the crocs are popular with tourists who take a few snaps before teeing off.

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