Beware of snakes in the grass
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.
Beware of snakes in the grass
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 short grass or as some of us call it, the fairway.
Eagle Ridge’s Kids Course is open every Sunday at 3 p.m. for kids 12 and under. Cost is $5 for all the holes you want to play. We provide clubs, balls and tees. Have any golf related questions? From rules to club fitting you can call me at 408-846-4531 or e-mail me at sk*****@ea**********.com.
We are beginning our Summer Junior golf programs. We will be offering classes that run from five days a week on down to once a week. So call or e-mail me for details. 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 playing golf, call your local PGA or LPGA instructor, we will help. Golf is more fun when you’re improving. Don’t be afraid to be good.
