Shark Falls From Sky: South Carolina Disc Golf Interrupted
Hammerhead Shark Lands on Myrtle Beach Disc Golf Course
Updated June 09, 2025
A bizarre incident occurred at Splinter City Disc Golf Course in Myrtle Beach, S.C., when a small hammerhead shark plummeted from the sky. Jonathan Marlowe, a disc golf player, witnessed the event May 18 near the 11th hole. While waterspouts can transport marine life, an osprey was the likely culprit in this case of a lost lunch.
Marlowe told Garden & Gun magazine that he often sees ospreys carrying prey. This time, however, the load was a dead hammerhead shark, identifiable by its distinctive head. Ospreys, also known as ”fish hawks,” are adept at catching fish, but typically target smaller specimens. This hammerhead appeared to exceed the usual 12-inch (30 centimeter) limit.
The osprey likely dropped the hammerhead after being harassed by crows. Marlowe reported that the crows chased the osprey into a tree, causing it to drop its catch. Crows sometimes use “mobbing” tactics to defend their territory.
According to the myrtle Beach Disc Golf Facebook page, wildlife sightings, including snakes, raccoons, and alligators, are common on the course. Though, a hammerhead shark sighting is a rare event. Marlowe left the hammerhead, hoping the osprey would return.
“We couldn’t believe it and kept asking ourselves, ‘did that realy just happen?'”
Jonathan Marlowe
Ten species of hammerhead shark inhabit waters worldwide, including the Atlantic coast of the southern U.S. A South Carolina Department of Natural Resources survey from 2013 to 2016 identified bonnethead, scalloped hammerhead, and great hammerhead sharks in south Carolina and Georgia coastal waters. In 2013, a new species, the Carolina hammerhead, was discovered in the same region. It remains unclear which species of hammerhead shark made its unexpected appearance on the disc golf course.
What’s next
While the incident is unusual, it serves as a reminder of the complex interactions between wildlife and human environments. Authorities are not expected to investigate further, and the hammerhead shark, a unique example of Myrtle Beach wildlife, will likely decompose naturally.