Finnegan arrived at the golf club and tried on his gear, which fit well, but he felt out of place since he had never participated in the sport before. The same was true for the other two llamas; none had any understanding of what they were doing.
The staff continued their efforts, and after several practice sessions, Finnegan, Elmer, and Yowie transformed into more than mere llamas.
They became designated llama caddies.
While it might be a stretch to compare Van Horn to the legendary Bill Veeck of the White Mountains, he has introduced an intriguing new promotion at the Mountain View Grand Resort and Spa. For a price of $150 plus the green fee, you can lighten the mood of your round by having one or two llamas accompany you.
“Golf sometimes has a reputation for being pretentious,” said Van Horn, who previously managed a resort near Augusta National before relocating a few years back.
Although llamas can’t swing clubs and offer no strategic insights, they are useful as pack animals, having a lineage that goes back to their ancestors who carried gear and people through the Andes.
As long as they receive proper tips — specifically, handfuls of alfalfa pellets — they make excellent caddies. Elmer and Yowie both warmed up to me before we played a few rain-drenched holes together in late July.
