Gareth Bale forced to use little-known golf rule after hilarious footage shows dog interrupting his tournament

Ex-footballer Gareth Bale had to use a rare golf rule after footage showed a dog interrupting his tournament.

The Welsh man has a highly publicised love for golf as he once famously donned a Wales flag listing his order of priorities as a player, with the "Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order”, which damaged his relationship with Real Madrid fans.

Bale is currently competing in the Pro-Am section of the DP World Tour event alongside professional golfer Dan Brown.

Other notable names include Rory McIlroy, who has played alongside the likes of Piers Morgan and ex-cricketer James Anderson.

Dog steals Gareth Bale's ball 😂

🎥: DarrenMcRae3/X #dunhilllinks pic.twitter.com/VyJMQTTlqd

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) October 5, 2024

As Bale found himself in 18^th place in the event, a dog momentarily hijacked proceedings during Friday’s round at Carnoustie.

A video emerged on social media appearing to show him hitting a chipped shot on the 16^th green of the course.

In an amusing moment, a dog mistook his shot for a playful game of fetch.

The dog picked the ball up in its mouth before seemingly returning it to the former Tottenham man.

Crowds watched in confusion, wondering how this type of situation is resolved given its rareness in the sport.

According to Rule 9.6 in the USGA's handbook: "If it is known or virtually certain that an outside influence (including another player in stroke play or another ball) lifted or moved a player’s ball at rest, there is no penalty, and the ball must be replaced on its original spot (which if not known must be estimated)."

So, to the relief of Bale, this did not jeopardise his position in the standings.

After his retirement, several questions were put to Bale to see if he would ever consider turning professional, given his love for the sport.

"No, absolutely not," he explained in 2023.

"All I can see is everything saying give up. I think I'll give up before I start! Even if you get to a scratch, obviously, it is great.

"[But] these guys are +7 and +8, it's a different level. You really appreciate what they're able to do when you just stand and watch them play week in and week out."