The Open Championship’s Pace of Play Slowed…But Not Because of a Golfer

There has been a lot of chatter about the pace of play in golf this year ever since Patrick Cantlay’s evident tortoise pace at Augusta National in April during The Masters.

But on Saturday, at the year’s final Major Championship, The Open’s pace of play was slowed once again, but not by Cantlay or any other golfer.

Instead, it was by a toad.

The rare Natterjack toad was spotted on Royal Liverpool’s 13th green, and according to rules from the Wildlife Trust and UK Law, the protected species can only be handled by a certified individual, and that person happens to be links manager James Bledge, who works at the course.

A toad has stopped play on the 13th hole at #TheOpen. 🐸

📺: @NBC and @peacock pic.twitter.com/2o6wmrBiAz

— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) July 22, 2023

NBC Sports had done a small TV spot on the Natterjack toad and explained the small amphibian’s importance to the region. It resides in the fescue and is situated near the ocean that sits just outside the course. Usually, they reside in temporary pools of water, The Wildlife Trust said.

Additionally, Royal Liverpool’s seaward side is already full of new breeding pools that have been created to attract “a spring symphony of male Natterjacks,” according to Golf Digest.

While golfers may get upset with their playing partners when it comes to pace of play, we have a feeling that the Natterjack might get a little more leniency from them.

Cover Image via Sports Illustrated