WATCH: Mark James hits seagull, ball goes OB on St Andrews Road Hole!

The famous 17th Road Hole at St Andrews is hard enough without any mid-flight activity, but unfortunately for England's Mark James that's exactly what happened during the first round of the Senior Open.

James, an 18-time European Tour winner and former Ryder Cup captain, struck his drive down 17 only for it to collide straight into a flying seagull before richocheting his ball out of bounds. James went to make a triple-bogey seven and finished the day well out of contention on 5-over. 

Watch the incident below...

Unluckiest golf shot of the year?

Mark James' tee shot on the famous 17th hole on the Old Course, St Andrews hits a bird before going out of bounds. #SeniorOpen pic.twitter.com/jow7G0YbqN

— Staysure Tour (@StaysureTour) July 26, 2018