Referee Hunt has the answer to thieving crab

After more than 40 years as a professional golfer and administrator, Guy Hunt must have thought he had seen everything.

The 62-year-old from Bournemouth is a former Masters champion and Ryder Cup player and for 20 years has been a tournament referee. But on Tuesday, the amiable Englishman added a new experience to the many he has had over the years.

It came on the 18th hole at the Legend as French pro Philippe Dugeny was leading his team back to the clubhouse after a highly successful first round of the Constance Hotels Pro-Am. All four players had teed off and one of their drives had landed close to the lake and near to some holes made by crabs that live near the water’s edge.
As quick as a flash, one of the crabs emerged from a hole, grabbed the ball in its claws and disappeared back underground.

“Fortunately, the spotter saw it and was able to explain what had happened,” said referee Hunt. “We weren’t able to get the ball back for the player and I wouldn’t have recommended trying. These crabs could take your finger off! “But I was able to give him a free drop!”