BREVARD, N.C. (QUEEN CITY HOMETOWN) — There’s an art to reading a golf course.
Regardless of skill, every golfer spends less time hitting and more time looking at the hole, the green, and sometimes, for their ball.
At Sherwood Forest Golf Course south of the mountain town of Brevard, there’s something making all golfers take a second and third look.
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“I didn’t believe at first,” said Corey MacBeth.
“I honestly thought (my daughter) was putting us on,” said Eileen McAvoy.
“People are like, what?!” exclaimed Eric English.
“My daughter asked if we were going to have a llama as a caddy; I said, ‘What are you talking about?’” laughed Eileen.
Since 2007, llamas have been the most in-demand caddies at the par three course.
“They block out the golf voices in my head, so that’s definitely very helpful,” said Eric.
“My mom says it’s Dr. Seuss,” said Mark English. “My passion for Dr. Seuss as a kid led to me wanting the llamas.”
Mark has loved llamas and golf all his life, so putting the two together and starting a business just seemed logical.
“They have pads on their feet, and they can leave no trace on the golf course,” said Mark, owner of Llama Caddy and English Mountain Llama Treks.
His son, Eric, inherited his love.
“I definitely think it was passed down in the genes,” said Eric.
The llamas are trained professionals and follow all proper course etiquette.
“They’re good at reading the greens,” smiled Mark.
They are there if you need some encouragement too.
“When you get a llama hug, it brings you back to being a kid,” said Eric.
Though not required, tips are appreciated.
“Hay. Carrots,” replied Mark.
No matter how often you play, the game of golf will always be a bit unexpected.
But that’s the fun part: Who knows what could happen?
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