Golf

WATCH: Gareth Bale Suffers Unusual Golf Mishap As Dog Steals His Ball During The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship

By
Ben Horlock
Author photo
Ben Horlock Sports Editor

Ben Horlock is a sports news and features writer who holds a degree in sports journalism (BA Hons) from Southampton Solent University. Ben has been published across a wide variety of news outlets and websites including HITC, 90min, GiveMeSport, Betfair and Zoo Magazine. As well, Ben has worked in social media for four years in the sports gambling industry. For his sins, Ben is a QPR fan and is a keen follower of all the major European football leagues.

Get to know Ben Horlock better
Sports Editor

Published10 hours ago on October 06, 2024

Disclosure
We publish independently audited information that meets our strong editorial guidelines. Be aware we may earn a commission if you purchase anything via links on our pages.
bale

Gareth Bale was on the receiving end of a golfing mishap as a dog stole his ball from the green after a near-perfect chip at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. 

Since retiring from football in January 2023, the Real Madrid and Wales legend has been spending much of his time hitting various courses and entering a number of tournaments.

However, the four-legged furry intruder done what most defenders were unable to do during his illustrious playing career. Swipe his ball!

The highly unusual occurrence happened at the Pro-Am portion of the DP World Tour event. Naturally, the crowd saw the funny side to Bale’s mishap.

Not only that, Bale decided to entertain the crowd with a series of kick-ups with a golf ball! There really is no end to his talents, assuming no dogs are in close vicinity.

Gareth Bale Has Golf Ball Stolen By A Dog

Gareth Bale was playing alongside professional golfer Dan Brown when the dog intervened. On the 16th, Bale produced an exquisite chip to put him inches from the pin before fate decided otherwise.

His straightforward-looking putt was temporarily disrupted as the dog ventured out from the crowd. After picking the ball up with it’s mouth, the dog hurtled back towards its owner as if proud of its achievements.

Bale and the crowd saw the funny side. However, the serial UEFA Champions League winner was reprieved by the use of a rule that is put in place to cover such an unusual situation.

The USGA’s handbook says: ‘If it is known or virtually certain that an outside influence (including another player in stroke play or another ball) lifted or moved a player’s ball at rest, there is no penalty, and the ball must be replaced on its original spot (which if not known must be estimated).’

After the incident, Bale and Brown went on to finish the round on 19-under-par. Scroll down for a look at the hilarious video.