SHEDIAC, CANADA

A NEW STUDY conducted in Canada and Tasmania has confirmed what has been known to fishermen and divers for decades: Lobsters play golf.

“They use their claws as clubs and can be seen hitting small pebbles on the ocean floor towards what can only be described as holes marked by thin saltwater plants,” says Dr Sam Catch of the University of the Southern Ocean based in a research ship moored of Hobart. “Games can take weeks but we have managed to film one. We’re still not exactly sure how many holes they play and whether it’s stokes or match play. We hope to answer those questions in the coming years. What is even more remarkable is the fact that when an opponent is not looking, we have seen lobsters move their stones closer to the hole, or out of rough seabed. We’re not sure how they keep score and we don’t believe they go for a drink afterwards. There are obvious bunkers though. Quite visible. And the lobsters take some time and sharply angle their claws when playing for them. Of course, since the claws are all clubs, there’s no need for caddies. Though other lobsters and some passing marine life often seem to be watching.”