The Nedbank Golf Challenge in South Africa was brought to a short standstill after a pack of mongooses invaded the green just as players were about to take their putts last week.

As about 20 of the creatures ran across the green, it looked as if they were heading straight for an in-play ball. But they appeared well versed in the etiquette of the game, and whilst a couple gave it a passing glance, it was left alone, allowing the players to resume the game quickly after they had dispersed.

The Daily Mail reported that the mongooses were thought to have come from the Pilanesberg Game Reserve, a 221 square-mile park, which is adjacent to the Gary Player Country Club in Sun City.

So looking on the bright side the players were lucky it wasn't any of the lions, leopards, cheetahs or elephants who chose to have a stroll in the sunshine.