If you've been watching the European Tour's Made in Denmark event, you've probably heard what sounds like squeaky toys going off in the background when a player makes a putt.
The crowd is not only clapping and cheering on their favorite players, but they're also using squeaky toys to congratulate the players for good scores. So, no, you're not hearing things. It's not some kind of technical problem. Those are squeaky toys, and their use goes back to the beginning of the Made in Denmark tournament.
The squeaky toys, which are supposed to be used when a player makes a birdie or better, are called the Birdie Ducks. They're mostly used by the fans on Himmerland Hill, behind the short par-3 16th hole, and they were introduced in 2016 by promoter Flemming Astrup, in part to create a move lively, party-like atmosphere.
The ducks have been sold for 50 krone each, and the proceeds have supported a national charity called KidsAid.
The ducks were named Benny the Birdie, Andy the Ace, Eddy the Eagle, while a special edition for official tournament charity KidsAid is called Charlie the Chick.
So, when you hear the squeaky toys in Denmark, know it's to have a little fun and help out some children in Denmark.
