Rare South American Bird Currently Living At Evesham Golf Club

The South American Rhea ran away from its owner and has now settled in the grounds of the Worcestershire golf course

The South American Rhea ran away from its owner and has now settled in the grounds of the Worcestershire golf course

Rare South American Bird Currently Living At Evesham Golf Club

A large South American Rhea is currently living at Evesham Golf Club after escaping from its owner and settling at the Worcestershire nine hole course which is five miles away from his owner.

Known as ‘Linford’ due to his speed of 40mph, the ostrich-like bird chose Evesham Golf Club in Worcestershire as his new home nearly a week ago.

He is only 13 weeks old and at six-foot is set to grow further.

Evesham Golf Club's green-staff initially noticed unusual footprints in the bunkers before spotting the bird.

Related: Top 100 courses UK & Ireland

Members have welcomed the Rhea who walks with them during their rounds of golf and the club say he particularly enjoys the river hole.

The professionals are even considering adding a local rule to accommodate his footprints and whereabouts.

Watch a video of the bird below:

https://www.facebook.com/bbcherefordandworcester/videos/vb.111193162286434/2196770970604542/?type=2&theater

Head Professional Robert Steele said, “I’ve played golf all over the world and have never experienced anything like this.

"Between coaching, I take people out on the buggy just to see the bird.”

Assistant Professional Ryan Cleary said, “We’ve followed Linford around on a buggy just to keep-up with him.

"He seems to be enjoying all the fruits the course has to offer, the views and the River Avon.

"The owner is dropping food off and we are going to look after him as long as it wants to stay.”

It’s the golf club’s 125th Anniversary next year and there are even suggestions to change the club logo for the occasion to a Rhea.

Have you spotted any unusual animals on the golf course? Let us know on our social channels.

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Elliott Heath
News Editor

Elliott Heath is our News Editor and has been with Golf Monthly since early 2016 after graduating with a degree in Sports Journalism. He manages the Golf Monthly news team as well as our large Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. He covered the 2022 Masters from Augusta National as well as five Open Championships on-site including the 150th at St Andrews. His first Open was in 2017 at Royal Birkdale, when he walked inside the ropes with Jordan Spieth during the Texan's memorable Claret Jug triumph. He has played 35 of our Top 100 golf courses, with his favourites being both Sunningdales, Woodhall Spa, Western Gailes, Old Head and Turnberry. He has been obsessed with the sport since the age of 8 and currently plays off of a six handicap. His golfing highlights are making albatross on the 9th hole on the Hotchkin Course at Woodhall Spa, shooting an under-par round, playing in the Aramco Team Series on the Ladies European Tour and making his one and only hole-in-one at the age of 15 - a long time ago now!


Elliott is currently playing:


Driver: Titleist TSR4

3 wood: Titleist TSi2

Hybrids: Titleist 816 H1

Irons: Mizuno MP5 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland RTX ZipCore 50, 54, 58

Putter: Odyssey White Hot OG #5

Ball: Srixon Z Star XV