Everyone who’s ever played golf can relate to the problem…
You’ve just addressed the ball and are beginning the backswing when a playing partner, caddie or member of another group unexpectedly coughs, sneezes, laughs, talks or farts at just the wrong moment causing you to mishit or worse.
But for players at Lexington Oaks, Florida, the problem is a common occurrence thanks to two of the courses inhabitants – a pair of African grey parrots which perch in the trees overlooking the 11th and 16th holes, and News10.net have run a short video about these two birdies which you can watch.
Perl, who oversees the 16th hole has learned to make the sound of a golf cart squeaking to a halt, or backing up and can whistle and also mimic sounds of a mobile phone ringing.
Sophie, meanwhile, overlooks the 11th hole and her distraction methods are altogether more foulmouthed than her partner Perl. Sophie taunts players with the phrase ‘Hit the damned ball’ – which was taught to her by her owner, Tony Burkhardt.