PLAY was temporarily halted at the USPGA Championship after a TURTLE invaded the green.
American Ryan Gerard got a shock as he chipped into the 14th at Quail Hollow on Thursday.
@SkySportsGolfA turtle dashed across the green during USPGA Championship action on Thursday[/caption]
APStaff were forced to fix the bunker after the turtle took up residence[/caption]
Gerard saw his approach shot to the green roll away into the bunker.
And as TV cameras panned to find his ball, a small head was seen poking out from the grass.
Sky Sports commentator Henni Zuel initially thought the animal was a snake.
But former PGA champ Rich Beem quipped: “That’s a snapping turtle!
“That will rip your finger off.”
Jason Dufner watched on bemused as the turtle began to scamper across the green.
It showed off a surprising turn of pace as it made a dash for the water.
And the reptile even received a warm round of applause from the watching spectators as it returned to the lake.
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One fan laughed on X: “Notice he’s a lot faster than the golfers.”
Another wrote: “I love this sport.”
It’s not the first time a turtle has caused carnage on the links this year.
During March’s Houston Open, a caddie picked up a turtle to remove it from the green.
The animal started to urinate an excessive amount of waste while the caddie dashed to move it to a safe distance.
It was a day to remember for Jhonattan Vegas on Thursday, with the Venezuelan taking the clubhouse lead in North Carolina.
Vegas shot a classy 64, including five birdies on the back nine.
He leads by two shots from Gerard and Aussie Cameron Davies.
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