Cancun, Mexico - A British golfer was left needing 200 stitches, after a crocodile ripped through his leg on a Mexico course.

Dougie Thompson was only saved thanks to quick-thinking pals, who beat the reptile with golf clubs and then drove over it in a golf cart until it released its grip. The 58-year-old was attacked by the animal after he stepped into a bunker to play a shot.

The croc sprung from nearby bushes before sinking its teeth into Mr Thompson's leg, tearing away all the muscle in his thigh. The dad-of-two from Wishaw, near Glasgow, described his leg as "like a butcher's shop window. I couldn't feel pain, I was in total shock. It was like a big toy, with big black eyes looking at me," Thompson told reporters. "Hitting it was like hitting a brick wall."

Thompson is now in the hospital in stable condition while his family prepares for him to fly home to Toronto, Canada, where he now lives.

He will forever remain grateful for the fact that all three of his pals joined him for the game. "Initially only two of us were going golfing. If that had happened, there is no way only one person could have saved me. It would have pulled me back into the lagoon and had me for supper."

Earlier this year, another golfer Edward Lunger was also attacked by a croc at the Iberostar Cancun Golf Club. The American lost two fingers after being savaged while taking a couple of practise swings.

A statement from the resort read: “Iberostar deeply regrets this incident and wishes a speedy recovery to Mr Thompson. The safety and security of our clients, guests, and employees has always been, and will continue to be, of utmost importance to Iberostar."

They continued on to say: "the Iberostar Cancun Golf Course is fully equipped with highly visible warning signs - in both English and Spanish - and appropriate fencing and markings. The club also provides information and warns about the unique characteristics of this course; detailing the precautions that should be taken to ensure a safe round of golf."