Imagine hitting the links and instead of a golf cart or a human caddy, you have a llama by your side, complete with a saddlebag full of clubs. That’s right, llamas are becoming the latest trend in golf caddies in the rolling hills of North Carolina.
Those long-necked, fuzzy-faced wonders are carrying clubs and stealing hearts on the greens. At Sherwood Forest Golf Club, you can experience the joy of having your nine-iron handed to you by a creature that’s more accustomed to scaling the Andes than reading a putt. These llamas have been trained to navigate the bunkers and ponds with the grace of a seasoned pro.
According to Axios, “tourism and recreational activities involving llamas have been on an upswing,” and these camel-like creatures are as popular as it gets. There are around 30-ish llamas at the course that have been trained to carry your bags. It’s just as adorable as you might expect.
These furry friends are not just a novelty; they’re actually quite practical. Llamas are naturally sure-footed and can easily navigate the hilly terrain of a golf course, which means they can follow you to every hole with ease. Plus, they’re strong enough to carry your clubs without breaking a sweat (or a leg). And let’s not forget the added bonus of their calm demeanor, which might just be the secret to keeping your own cool on the course.
To give credit where it’s due, Sherwood Forest Golf Course is not the first to have thought up the idea. Talamore Golf Resort in Southern Pines was a pioneer in the llama caddy world, its owner introducing them in the early 1990s to generate publicity to promote their newly opened Rees Jones-designed course. And they’re still popular. They certainly add a dash of the exotic to a rather staid game.
Contrary to the popular myth that llamas are the hotheads of the animal kingdom, that they may spit on you if you rile them up, they’re actually quite the zen masters. With a temperament that’s been described as calm, friendly, and slightly shy, llamas have been known to serve as fluffy therapists, offering a serene presence that can soothe even the most frazzled nerves. And let’s not forget, these intelligent beings are also quite the social butterflies, curious and eager to make new friends.
The animals are popular not only on the golf course, but also to rent as wedding guests — and they’re selfie-magnets that never fail to halt traffic when they’re out in public.
