Rochester Golf Course Has Snapping Turtle Eggs on Hole 13 – Here’s What Golfers Need to Know

Heads up, golfers.  One of the courses in Rochester, Minnesota just posted an important message regarding the sand trap on hole 13.  If you happen to accidentally hit a ball in that area, proceed with caution.

Why?

There's a very special visitor that decided to leave its eggs in the area.  And these eggs are white, spherical and resemble ping-pong balls.  On a golf course, these eggs also look very similar to golf balls.

While the eggs are left to fend for themselves, there are a few things our community can do to help ensure the safety of these eggs while we wait for them to hatch.

READ MORE: We Now Know What the Purple Flowers Are That Are Popping Up In Minnesota Ditches

Rochester Golf Course Warns Guests Of Snapping Turtle Eggs On Hole 13

Golfers in Southeast Minnesota got an update on Wednesday about one of the popular golf courses in Rochester, Minnesota.  If you are planning on playing a few holes at Willow Creek Golf Course at 1700 48th Street SW, a bit of caution is requested on hole 13.

Below is the update that Willow Creek Golf Course & Event Facility posted on its Facebook page:

The flyer that was mentioned had the following tips for golfers to follow while the snapping turtle eggs are on hole 13:

1.  THE AREA WILL BE ROPED OFF. Please respect the ropes and give these eggs space to hatch!

2. PLEASE DO NOT HIT OUT OF THAT AREA IN THE BUNKER.

3. PROCEED WITH CAUTION when picking up your ball in this bunker.

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How Long Does It Take For Snapping Turtle Eggs To Hatch?

According to CT.gov, the temperature that we experience in Minnesota is going to play a factor in how long it takes for these snapping turtle eggs to hatch.  Typically, eggs take about 80 to 90 days.  Which means, if these eggs were laid recently, we could see baby turtles emerge from the sandtrap at hole 13 in the fall.

Most snapping turtle eggs hatch between August through October.