Golfer distracted by 'a nice rack' shanks tee shot in the direction of large bull elk, wisely grabs a new ball

Bull Elk Smash Causes a Tee‑Shot Turbulence at Estes Park Golf Course

Estes Park, Colorado — The Rocky Mountain‑backed golf course in Estes Park has become the stage for a new kind of wildlife drama. On a sunny Thursday, a female golfer found herself playing a game of golf with an unlikely opponent: a bull elk that locals have affectionately named Smash.

The incident unfolded at the 18th hole of the park’s popular course when the golfer—who declined to give her name—aimed her tee shot straight toward a patch of open land that had become a frequent haunt for the lanky animal. Smash, who has been known to chase trucks and golf carts that drift too close, emerged from the trees and approached the ball’s landing zone. The drive, which the player described as “shanked,” ended up just a few feet from the elk’s grazing spot, forcing her to abandon the shot.

“I had to reach for another ball,” the golfer told reporters. “That was me! Lol I might have been a bit distracted. Everyone likes a nice rack.” The reference to a “nice rack” – presumably a rack of golf clubs – was meant humorously, though it may have contributed to her misfired drive.

After the initial misstep, the player quickly retrieved a fresh ball and lined up a new tee shot. Her second attempt was markedly better and sent the ball clear of the elk’s path. “She had to abandon her original drive because it landed right next to Smash, but her second shot looked good!” praised a post on the Good Bull Outdoors blog, an online community that follows the area’s wildlife and sporting events.

Good Bull Outdoors, which has been documenting Smash’s antics for months, added: “Smash is definitely distracting. That follow up shot looked pretty good though!” The site noted that Smash has become a local legend for his bold pursuits, including a viral video last year where he smashed a car window with brute force.

The Estes Park area is home to a resident elk population that frequently interacts with visitors and golfers alike. Smash, in particular, has earned a reputation for aggressively chasing any vehicle that comes too close. His boldness has sparked both fascination and caution among the community’s sports enthusiasts.

Local course staff have issued reminders to players: if a ball lands in Smash’s vicinity, golfers should consider taking a penalty and retrieving a new ball to avoid a confrontation with the animal. “It’s not just about the ball,” said a spokesperson from the golf course. “We want everyone’s safety, so if you see Smash, it’s best to play it where it lies or move away.”

While the golfer’s experience was largely harmless, it highlights the increasingly common encounters between wildlife and recreational activities in the region. According to park officials, the elk population has grown in recent years, leading to more frequent overlaps with human activity.

As the Estes Park community continues to adapt to the presence of local wildlife, the story of Smash and the woman’s second shot serves as a reminder that nature can never be entirely tamed—especially on a fairway.

Quotes

• “That was me! Lol I might have been a bit distracted. Everyone likes a nice rack.” —Unnamed golfer
• “Golfers trying to get back (unintentionally) at Smash for all his antics this year!” —Good Bull Outdoors
• “She had to abandon her original drive because it landed right next to Smash, but her second shot looked good!” —Good Bull Outdoors
• “Smash is definitely distracting. That follow up shot looked pretty good though!” —Good Bull Outdoors

For those planning a round in Estes Park, the advice is simple: stay aware, play it where it lies, and keep a respectful distance from the local elk, especially Smash.