WHEN Gareth Bale rocked up at the Alfred Dunhill Pro-Am event this month, he probably expected to be one of the star’s of the show.
But a mischievous four-legged friend had other ideas… and swiftly put his ball in the RUFF.
Jock the cockapoo went viral when he ran onto the green and stole the former Wales and Real Madrid star’s golf ball.
He had just chipped the ball onto the green when the four-year-old furry friend ran after it, picked it up and ran back towards Bale and his owner.
Bale the crowd watching on at Carnoustie were left stunned, with a mixture of laughter and sheer disbelief at the situation.
A little-known rule allowed Bale to place his ball back in its original position and this time, with Jock safely back on his lead, was kept away from the Welshman’s second attempt at the shot.
Jocks’ owner, who wished to remain anonymous, has now revealed what Bale’s reaction was to the unprecedented incident.
He told The Courier: “We arrived at the car park and walked down towards the first tee.
“Gareth Bale and Jamie Redknapp were teeing off and we followed them up towards the hole.
“Gareth Bale was a bit back from the green. He took his shot and Jock was off his lead.
“He just took off after the ball.
“It didn’t matter how many times I shouted on him, it was like his ears were painted on.
“I was a bit embarrassed and he should have been on his lead but it happened so quickly!
“He (Bale) stood there. Jock came back to him with his ball then I was able to put him back on his lead.
“Nothing was really said.”
However, Bale did stop for a quick chat later on as apologies were exchanged.
Jock’s owner said: “When they left the first tee, he walked towards the second hole and started to sign things and take pictures.
“He walked past me and Jock, I said to him: “I hope you got your par” and he replied: ‘Yeah I did’.”
While the viral moment has led to a lot of laughs, Jock’s owner did admit to feeling some level of embarrassment – particularly as it sparked a debate about dogs on golf courses.
They said: “I’m really quite embarrassed because some golfers may take offence at it.
“Then there’s dog owners who think I’m the irresponsible one who will ruin it for them all.”
As for Jock himself?
He’s taken no notice of the furore around him – it was just a game of fetch after all.
His owner continued: “He’s the same as he always is.
“It didn’t put him up or down. There’s no diva demands.
“I just have to apologise to Gareth for what happened.”
Our New YouTube Channel
Subscribe to our new Scottish Sun Sport YouTube channel for all the latest football news, views and amazing moments.
We’ve got every major development covered from Celtic, Rangers, Hearts, Hibs, Aberdeen and the rest of the Scottish Premiership.
Plus we have TWO brilliant new podcasts to watch every week…
MONDAY
Go Ballistic with Roger Hannah and special guest Kris Boyd will dissect all the weekend action and deliver their no-holds-barred reaction.
WEDNESDAY
Robert Grieve and Bill Leckie chew over the tastiest topics in Scottish football and offer their unique takes in their Coffee Club.
FRIDAY
Go Ballistic is back with Roger Hannah and top tipster Jim Delahunt looking ahead to the weekend games and analysing the biggest talking points.
Subscribe now and don’t miss a thing.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page