A hot air balloon bizarrely stopped play late on the first day of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

Tournament organisers immediately launched an enquiry when the balloon took off from the front of the Emirates clubhouse and just clearing the corporate enclosures but also forcing those on the ninth and 18th greens to stop play. 

Fred Couples staring in disbelief at a hot air balloon low over the 18th green. (Photo - www.golfbytourmiss.com)

Among those starring up at the balloon in disbelief were former Dubai Desert Classic winners, Fred Couples and Colin Montgomerie who were on the 18th green.

While the sight of the balloon was surprising it was the sound of the burners adding lift to the balloon that was distracting to players.

On the adjoining ninth green was Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher who had earned himself a brand new Mercedes Benz S sedan for a hole-in-one at the par three, 15th.

“That has to be one of the strangest sights I’ve ever seen on a golf course as the balloon was just metres above us,” said Monty.

It wasn’t till the balloon was much higher in the sky and halfway down the 18th fairway that players finally putted out.