With the arrival of summer and the higher temperature we may run
across a snake during our round of golf. California is home to many
verities of snakes only one is dangerous, the rattlesnake but just
because you are a rattlesnake or any other type for that matter it
should not mean a death sentence. Snakes are a part of the
ecosystem around a golf course. They eat mice and rat and many
other rodents that could become over populated with out them.
With the arrival of summer and the higher temperature we may run across a snake during our round of golf. California is home to many verities of snakes only one is dangerous, the rattlesnake but just because you are a rattlesnake or any other type for that matter it should not mean a death sentence. Snakes are a part of the ecosystem around a golf course. They eat mice and rat and many other rodents that could become over populated with out them.
Snakes are shy and unless provoked or surprised non aggressive. A rattlesnake will give you plenty of warning that you are to close. I once surprised a rattler on a golf course in Arizona it rattled I stopped and backed up, once I started to back up that snake turned around and took off faster than I was retreating. I realized who was really the most dangerous and who was really afraid of whom. Would pit bulls have the reputation they have if that is how they reacted?
The entire state of California has only 150 reported rattlesnake bites each year and fatalities are rare. If you are searching for a ball in long grass, near tree stumps or fences keep a club in your hand. Don’t step anywhere you aren’t certain is safe; probe around with your club to make sure. Common sense is our best defense in avoiding an encounter.
The last piece of advice I can give you is this; snakes don’t like short grass but love it when it is tall. Take a golf lesson and start hitting the ball in the fairway. Simple.
Eagle Ridge is setting up summer Junior Golf Clinics. These clinics are a great way to introduce your children to golf or to enhance their current level of ability. You can call us at 408-846-4531 or email me for more information.
If you have any golf related questions, from rules to golf balls, e-mail me at [email protected], or if you would like to read some of my past tips, you can do so at www.pinnaclenews.com. And don’t forget, if you’re not having fun call your local PGA or LPGA instructor. We will help. That’s what we do.
