Bees create a buzz at Coventry

In 20 years Ian Wrigley (above) has seen play suspended for most things but a swarm of angry bees was a first for the PGA referee.

The bizarre incident occurred midway through the morning on day two of the Powerade PGA Assistants’ Championship at Coventry Golf Club with several players and officials stung by the insects.

The bees, stirred from a nearby hive bordering the course, struck near the 12^th tee and forced play in the FootJoy supported event to be suspended twice.

Wrigley was stung three times including near his eye and admitted he was surprised at how aggressive the bees were.

“I was just sitting there on my buggy and suddenly three of the players came running down the 11^th fairway shouting there was a swarm of bees,” said Wrigley.

“They’d left their balls teed up and just ran. I went up to investigate and the bees were very aggressive. The players went back to try and play again and attacked them but they ran off again and the bees made a beeline for me.

“I thought I would be fine but I was stung three times – by my eye, on the forehead and on the top of my head.

“I was then driving off down the 11^th and they continued to chase me. I’ve been a referee for 20 years but that was a first for me.”

Wrigley is head PGA Professional at Dunham Forest in Altrincham and referees at a number of PGA events and leading golf tournaments.

“I’ve seen play suspended a number of times over the years but swarming bees is a first,” he added.

Meanwhile overnight leader Jack Harrison, who equalled the course record in the first round with an eight-under-par 65, ensured there was no sting in the tail on day two as he continued his brilliant form with six birdies in his first 12 holes to sit at 13-under-par for the £32,500 tournament.