VIDEO: Gareth Bale's golf ball gets stolen by a dog during Alfred Dunhill Links Championship pro-am tournament

While the tournament is notorious for its tricky weather conditions, unforgiving pot bunkers, and tall fescue, Bale's biggest obstacle on Friday at Carnoustie came in the form of a furry little dog. During the second round on Friday, Bale found himself in an almost comical situation on the first hole. After a perfectly executed chip shot that rolled close to the pin, Bale appeared set for an easy putt. However, before he could sink the ball, a dog sprinted onto the green, grabbed the ball in its mouth, and trotted back to its owner as Bale and onlookers were left in disbelief.

Fortunately for Bale, golf's rulebook came to the rescue. According to Rule 9.6 in the United States Golf Association (USGA) 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)."
Despite the unusual interruption, Bale and his partner Dan Brown finished their round well. They carded a six-under-par score, keeping them in contention for the pro-am team title. Earlier this year, he participated in the PGA Tour’s Pebble Beach Pro-Am in California and the BMW PGA Championship Pro-Am at Wentworth.

After Saturday’s third round, the top 20 teams will progress to the final round at the iconic Old Course at St Andrews. With Bale and Brown in strong form, the pair will be hoping to secure a spot in the finals and potentially lift the pro-am team title in this prestigious event.