GOLFERS often hope for birdies on the course.

But those who play at the Parley Golf Centre might be slightly frustrated by this one.

Players were left stumped after their balls kept disappearing from the fairway. After launching an investigation, bosses at the club have now identified the culprit - a crow.

Manager Daryl Dampney went out with his binoculars and spotted a number of the birds. One in particular is believed to have been swiping the golf balls and flying off with them.

Experts say it is probably mistaking the balls for eggs.

“We had a number of reports of balls going missing on various locations around the course," Mr Dampney said.

“Then someone spotted a crow flying off with a ball so we knew who was responsible.

“There is a great deal of wildlife on and around the course, but this is the first time something like this has happened.

"We are letting our members and those who just turn up and play know about the crow.

"There are a number of the birds that seem to live in the woods so I expect that is where all the balls are.”

The course was recently expanded near to a wooded area. It is believed the thief lives in the coppice.

Tony Whitehead, a spokesman for the RSPB, said: “This does happen occasionally.

“It is likely that a single bird is responsible and is mistaking the balls for eggs that it wants to eat. Crows will fly off with food and store it in a larder for later.

“It is most likely a carrion crow and the way to stop it happening is to use fluorescent balls for a time.”

The crow's antics come just a month after a staff at Greggs in Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, began compensating customers whose treats were swiped by a hungry gull.

The brazen bird has a penchant for pasties, sausage rolls and donuts.