Golfer Distracted by 'Nice Rack' Shanks Tee Shot Near Bull Elk

A golfer in Estes Park, Colorado, encountered an unexpected hazard on the course when her tee shot landed near a large bull elk named Smash.

Smash is known in the area for his assertive behavior, which has included chasing golf carts and trucks. In this instance, the golfer’s errant drive came to rest too close to the elk, prompting her to take a penalty and a new ball rather than risk approaching the animal.

A woman who identified herself as the golfer humorously explained the situation, stating, "I might have been a bit distracted everyone likes a nice rack." The comment suggests the elk’s prominent antlers may have contributed to her mis-hit.

The incident was documented by "Good Bull Outdoors," which noted that while the initial drive was a shank, the golfer’s subsequent shot was significantly improved. "Smash is definitely distracting," they commented. "That follow up shot looked pretty good though!"

Golfing in areas frequented by wildlife like bull elk requires players to be aware of their surroundings and sometimes adjust their play. In this case, the golfer wisely chose to avoid confrontation with the elk and focus on her next shot, demonstrating good judgment in a wild encounter. This situation highlights the unique challenges golfers can face in natural environments where wildlife may be present.