These World Cup red-carpet photos are an early Thanksgiving treat | Golf News and Tour Information [Video]

When it comes to magnificently-awkward photo-ops in golf, it’s tough to beat the pictures from the WGC-HSBC World Champions event. However, judging by these red-carpet snaps from Melbourne, the World Cup of Golf is giving the folks in Shanghai a run for their money. The field — which is comprised of two-man teams from different countries — gathered for a welcoming ceremony on Tuesday night in Australia, and were received by some unexpected guests.

At least, it sure doesn’t look like Jimmy Walker or Rickie Fowler were planning on shaking hands with a snake…

Although Joost Luiten looked right at home with a serpent draped on his shoulders…

As did Team Portugal, represented by Ricardo Gouveia and Jose-Filipe Lima…

But the real treat of Tuesday’s gala was saved for Thomas Pieters and Nicolas Colsaerts of Belgium. For instead of handling a reptile, the two were welcomed by a more cuddly greeter…

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