Golfer Records Herd of Javelinas Crossing Arizona Course

Mike Rodenbush, a content creator known online as Mikey TeeTimes, filmed a group of javelinas moving across a golf course in Arizona. The video shows the herd crossing a cart path and heading toward a wooded area. Rodenbush posted the footage to his social media channels, where it gained attention from followers and outdoor enthusiasts. The encounter occurred during a round of golf, a routine that allows him to produce content for his subscribers. The weather in Arizona supports year-round play, and the low humidity creates conditions suitable for both golf and the local wildlife.

Javelinas are desert mammals found in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. While they are resilient, they are not always welcome guests on manicured turf. Rodenbush noted that he had never heard of the animals before seeing his video circulate on Instagram. The herd in his footage appeared indifferent to the golfers, moving with purpose toward the trees without pausing to forage on the fairway.

Other Arizona golf courses have faced more aggressive interactions with the species. In some cases, javelinas tear up the grass while searching for food. A hotter than normal summer a few years ago led to unusual damage at a northern Arizona course. The increase in animal activity prompted course managers to seek ways to deter the mammals without harming them.

Seven Canyons Golf Club in northern Arizona implemented a specific strategy to manage the population. General manager Dave Bisbee said the club had previously tried using coyote urine to keep the animals away, but that method failed. The club then turned to a different deterrent. Bisbee told the Associated Press that they began applying a formulation of chili oil to the grass to discourage the javelinas.

"We’re still trying to figure out the right formulation in the chili oil we put out. It’s a delicate thing for the grass," Bisbee said. He described the process as a continuing dance between the course staff and the local wildlife. The goal was to protect the turf while allowing the animals to remain on the property.

Rodenbush’s recent encounter did not require such interventions. The group passed through his area without causing visible damage to the turf. The video captures a brief moment of coexistence between the golfer and the native fauna. The footage serves as a reminder that the desert environment remains active even on manicured sports grounds.

The clip has been viewed by thousands of users on social media platforms. It highlights the unique ecological setting of Arizona golf courses. While many animals might avoid the noise and movement of a golf game, the javelinas continued their migration across the path. The incident adds to the growing body of video evidence showing the presence of these mammals in recreational areas across the state.