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PLAY was temporarily halted at the USPGA Championship after a TURTLE invaded the green.

American got a shock as he chipped into the 14th at Quail Hollow on Thursday.

A turtle crossing a golf green during the USPGA Championship, delaying play.
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A turtle dashed across the green during USPGA Championship action on ThursdayCredit: @SkySportsGolf
Golfers watch a turtle in a sand trap.
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Staff were forced to fix the bunker after the turtle took up residenceCredit: AP

Gerard saw his approach shot to the green roll away into the bunker.

And as TV cameras panned to find his ball, a small head was seen poking out from the grass.

Sky Sports commentator Henni Zuel initially thought the animal was a snake.

But former PGA champ Rich Beem quipped: "That's a snapping turtle!

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"That will rip your finger off."

Jason Dufner watched on bemused as the turtle began to scamper across the green.

It showed off a surprising turn of pace as it made a dash for the water.

And the reptile even received a warm round of applause from the watching spectators as it returned to the lake.

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One fan laughed on X: "Notice he’s a lot faster than the golfers."

Another wrote: "I love this sport."

Turtle pees all over golf course as caddie carries it off the green at Houston Open

It's not the first time a turtle has caused carnage on the links this year.

During March's Houston Open, a caddie picked up a turtle to remove it from the green.

The animal started to urinate an excessive amount of waste while the caddie dashed to move it to a safe distance.

It was a day to remember for Jhonattan Vegas on Thursday, with the Venezuelan taking the clubhouse lead in North Carolina.

Vegas shot a classy 64, including five birdies on the back nine.

He leads by two shots from Gerard and Aussie Cameron Davies.

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