Goats work as caddies at this Oregon ranch

At Silvies Valley Ranch, in the Blue Mountains of Eastern Oregon, a team of goats is guiding golfers through the rugged terrain.

To most, goat is simply the name for a horned ruminant mammal. For those in sporting circles, it’s a four-letter acronym bestowed upon the greatest of all time. Venture through the myriad pine forests and winding creeks into the Blue Mountains of Eastern Oregon though, and both apply simultaneously. Silvies Valley Ranch offers a slice of Wild West luxury to travelers and – for the golfers among them – the opportunity to be caddied for by a rigorously trained team of goats. A world first when launched in 2018, the current team is the best to ever do it, as far as Silvies owner Dr. Scott Campbell is concerned – and they have even convinced some initial skeptics. “A lot of people said it was a stupid idea,” Campbell told CNN. “They thought it would make people call us a goat track. Nothing could be further from the truth. Everybody has a good time … People come from all over the world.”