Report: Golf course bounces kangaroo

Published Sep. 2, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

A rogue kangaroo was shot with a tranquillizer after a tale of terror that left golfers and an international rugby team hopping mad at one of the most prestigious golf clubs on Australia's east coast, The Courier-Mail reported Saturday.

The mean marsupial was among a population of kangaroos living at Sanctuary Cove, a top-end private resort course on the Gold Coast where golfers pay up to AU$6,000 (US$6,400) a year for the privilege of playing on its immaculately groomed fairways.

Management had tried to ensure the kangaroo was clearly identifiable so golfers knew to keep away by painting a blue streak across its head. But despite their best efforts, the rogue kangaroo eventually became so aggressive club management decided the feisty female had to go.

She was shot with a tranquillizer dart by the country club's contracted veterinarian and was later taken away from the property to a new home.

The drastic action brought to an end a tumultuous time for club golfers and also bemused members of the Scottish rugby union team, who have been staying on the Gold Coast ahead of the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

The kangaroo reportedly harassed members of the team as they played a game of golf.

Scottish player Rory Lawson tweeted that the team had been warned about the animal.

"Been told to keep eyes peeled for roo with blue paint on its head. Not so friendly & loves a scrap", he tweeted.

He later wrote that he had emerged from the encounter unscathed.

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