Gareth Bale forced to use little-known golf rule after hilarious footage shows dog interrupting his tournament

Gareth Bale’s Golfing Antics: When a Dog Stole the Show

We’ve seen some wild moments on the golf course, but Gareth Bale’s latest encounter takes the cake. The former footballer, who’s made no secret of his love for the sport, found himself in a rare situation during the DP World Tour event. And it wasn’t because of his golfing skills – it was because of a furry friend who had other plans.

As Bale was taking his shot on the 16th green, a dog mistook his ball for a toy and started playing fetch. The crowd was left in stitches as the dog bounded around, ball in mouth, while Bale tried to get back to his game. But don’t worry, the Welshman knew just what to do. According to Rule 9.6 of the USGA’s handbook, when an outside influence (in this case, a dog) lifts or moves a player’s ball, there’s no penalty, and the ball must be replaced on its original spot.

Bale’s quick thinking and knowledge of the rules saved him from any potential penalties, and he managed to keep his cool amidst the chaos. The 18th-place finisher in the event, he’s still got a way to go before he becomes a professional golfer – but we’re loving the entertainment value he brings to the course.

When asked about turning pro, Bale was quick to dismiss the idea. "No, absolutely not," he said. "All I can see is everything saying give up. I think I’ll give up before I start! Even if you get to a scratch, obviously, it’s great. But these guys are +7 and +8, it’s a different level. You really appreciate what they’re able to do when you just stand and watch them play week in and week out."

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