GOLFERS HAD a lucky escape after an out-of-control speedboat flew through the air and crashed into a bunker.

The Final Fling boat careered into the course at Loch Lomond, Dunbartonshire, after hitting rocks.

Its skipper was forced to jump into the water after waves from another vessel sent the speedboat off course.

Meanwhile, terrified golfers on shore were forced to run for cover.

French tourists Claude Bieth and Catherine Guillet were enjoying a round of golf when the boat crashed.

Bieth told the Daily Record newspaper: "The boat seemed to go in slow motion and came to a halt in the bunker. The motor kept going but it was stuck fast."

Clyde Coastguard launched a major search operation after the boat crashed around 3pm on Sunday.

A military helicopter was scrambled, a lifeboat was launched and a request for help was issued to all ships in the area. The boat's skipper, who was not injured, was located a short time later.

Calum Murray, Clyde Coastguard's watch manager, said: "We do deal with a number of beached vessels, but I don't think that we have ever had one which landed in a golf course bunker."

A club spokeswoman said: "Thankfully no one was hurt."

Loch Lomond Golf Club is one of the most prestigious golf courses in Scotland.

Colin Montgomerie chose the location for his wedding last month to partner Gaynor Knowles. The club will host the Scottish Open in July.