We have all heard of birdies and an albatross in a game of golf but never a snake.

A poisonous adder left Corsham golfer Gary Sawyer bunkered just days before the most important round of his life. He was hoping to qualify for the British Open last weekend.

But instead he was bitten by a snake, leaving him with a swollen, unsteady hand. Although he failed to qualify for Royal St George's he will be sure to pay attention to new signs warning golfers about sneaky snakes at Lafarge golf course in Westbury. After all he doesn't want another chance to slip away from him.