The Javelina Invasion: A Wild Game on the Greens

In the heart of Sedona, Arizona, where red rock bluffs paint a scenic backdrop to the Seven Canyons Golf Course, an unexpected player has entered the game. The javelinas – wild, pig-like creatures native to South and Central America and some US states – have taken over the greens. They’re not interested in Callaway golf balls or PGA rankings; they’re here for earthworms and a respite from drought.

The assistant superintendent of this prestigious course, ranked 178th on Golfweek’s Best Top 200 residential courses, was the first to raise the alarm. He posted a video that quickly went viral on social media, showing a massive herd of 100-150 javelinas wreaking havoc on his beloved fairways. The damage was extensive enough to make any golfer drop their driver in disbelief.

These hog-like animals are not deterred by back bunker golf strategies or even chili oil – a tactic tried and failed by the beleaguered staff. Instead, they continue their relentless pursuit of food and water, driven by hunger and drought conditions in Arizona. The club now spends between 45-50 hours each week repairing damage caused by these uninvited guests.

The situation has sparked an online debate about water use and resource allocation at golf courses like Seven Canyons. Critics argue that lush greens in arid regions attract wildlife like javelinas who are simply trying to survive in increasingly harsh conditions. The club counters that it is conscious of its water usage but is caught between maintaining its reputation as a top-tier golf destination and coexisting with local wildlife.

Caught in this rough lie are not just the greenkeepers but also players who’ve had to adjust their game around these new hazards. Imagine lining up your putter for a crucial birdie putt only to find your path blocked by a herd of javelinas. Or reaching into your golf bag for a wedge to escape a tricky situation, only to realize that the real challenge is not the sand trap but the skunk pigs rooting around it.

The Arizona State Department of Game and Fish has been called in to help manage the situation. While killing or removing javelinas is against the law in Arizona, exceptions may be made for those causing property damage. However, this solution is far from ideal as it does not address the root cause of the problem – water scarcity.

In this wild game, there are no winners. The golf course suffers extensive damage that takes significant time and resources to repair. The javelinas are driven by desperation onto human territory where they are unwelcome and at risk. And golfers must navigate an increasingly unpredictable landscape where their equipment – drivers, putters, wedges – offer little defense against these new opponents.

As we watch this drama unfold from our comfortable armchairs, perhaps with a pair of golf shoes casually discarded nearby, we are reminded of our role in these events. Our love for lush greens and manicured fairways has consequences that extend beyond our golf clubs and into the local ecosystem.

In conclusion, while solutions like chili oil and government intervention may offer temporary relief, they do not address the underlying issue: water use on golf courses in arid regions like Sedona. As climate change exacerbates drought conditions worldwide, it’s likely that conflicts between humans and wildlife over scarce resources will increase. It’s time for us to rethink how we play our favorite game so that everyone – golfer and javelina alike – can enjoy their day under the Arizona sun. I wonder if this will be a problem in Tiger Woods’ new virtual golf league TGL?