GOLFERS straying into the long grass at Taunton and Pickeridge Golf Club recently have had extra reason to feel a bit sheepish -- because there has been a good chance of them coming face to face with a woolly visitor.

A stray sheep spent about a month wandering the course, evading all attempts to catch it.

The creature was finally captured when it fell asleep in the semi-rough.

Greenkeeper Kevin Yarde noticed the animal was untroubled by his grass-cutting and decided to pounce.

Backed up by colleagues, he jumped on the sheep as it dozed and moved it to a secure area.

After checking the tag on its ear it was discovered the sheep belonged to a farmer from Exmoor.

Club professional Simon Stevenson said: “That threw us at first but we discovered the sheep had been kept temporarily nearby at Staple Fitzpaine.

“This one obviously escaped and wasn’t noticed when the flock was taken back.

“It didn’t cause any damage, in fact at the Royal North Devon, which is the oldest golf club in England, they not only have resident sheep but a herd of horses as well.”