England’s Paul Casey was left laughing but also wondering the rules after a dog ran off with his golf ball early into his second round in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at Kingsbarns in Scotland.

Casey was in the process of lining up a 20-foot eagle putt at the par five 12th hole, and the third hole of his round, when a stray brown dog that had been following the group, ran onto the green and grabbed the triple Ryder Cup star’s golf ball.

A dog runs off with Paul Casey’s golf ball early in the England golfer’s second round in the Alfred Dunhil Links Championship. (Photo – www.europeantour.com)

Casey and playing Olympic swin star, Michael Phelps who is partnering Casey in the pro-amateur, just stood there laughing in amazement.

Casey then pulled out a replacement ball before a spectator managed came onto the green after having grabbed the ball from the dog close to the 13th tee.

A European  Tour rules official was then called who then inspected both balls before allowing Casey to replay his original ball from the spot when the do[g had picked it up.

“It’s the weirdest thing I’ve seen on a golf course,” said Casey laughing.

He then proceeded to leave his eagle putt short before tapping-in for birdie and move to one under par in the event being hosted at three courses in the East Scotland area.

Casey is contesting the Dunhill sponsored event for an eighth occasion but also for a first time since 2008.

His best finish was a share of fifth place behind Scotland’s Paul Lawrie in the inaugural 2001 event, and with Lawrie becoming the first player in the world to win a major tournament using the then new Odyssey 2Ball putter.