Giant robotic dinosaur scares away Australian PGA

PGA golfers are used to coexisting with the occasional alligator sunning itself on the fairways but never have they been face-to-face with the animal's distant and extinct cousin tyrannosaurus rex taking a stroll near the pro shop.

The new owner of the Palmer Coolum Resort — which has hosted the Australian PGA Championship since 2002 — has erected between the No. 9 green and 10th tee a 26-foot mechanical T-rex which opens its mouth and lets out a thunderous roar when anyone approaches.

That's why after 11 years at the Sunshine Coast resort, the Australian PGA will be moved because the menacing dinosaur is hard to miss standing outside the clubhouse during this week's tournament.

The course and its five-star hotel complex are owned by mining billionaire Clive Palmer, whose long-term plans include turning the ocean-front acreage onto a theme park.





This is the first PGA tournament since Palmer took over the club earlier in the year and things came to a head Sunday when the owner put up over 60 painted grass signs around the course — some in key landing areas of the fairways — promoting his business interests.

The Australasian PGA Tour officials did not want their tournament turned into a pitch & putt and have already begun looking at other courses in Brisbane and the Gold Coast for 2013.

The movement-activated dinosaur, nicknamed "Jeff," flips its tail and opens its mouth in a loud growl when anyone approaches.  Golfers have been getting dinosaur mulligans whenever the roar happens on a  backswing.

Palmer agreed to turn off his Jurassic attraction during tournament, although it might be featured during Wednesday's program.

The tournament dates back to 1905 and moved to Coolum in 2002.  This year's field includes Adam Scott, Greg Norman, Darren Clarke, Geoff Ogilvy and Australian Open champion Peter Senior.

Palmer is planning on adding more giant beasts to the resort and wants to erect a replica of the Titanic ocean liner as well.

Asked if he ever imagined the historic Australian PGA would be played on a course with a 26-foot dinosaur, PGA chief executive Brian Thornburn said "no."

"But having said that, let's put it in perspective," he smiled.  "It has generated some tremendous publicity for this tournament and we don't have a big marketing budget."

Maybe Palmer is on to something after all.  And there is a Shark on the course already.