A dramatic encounter unfolded on the 12th hole of the Mbombela Golf Club as a black mamba and a feisty slender mongoose locked eyes in a high-stakes stand-off.

The scene, captured on film by visitors and widely shared across social media, has left golfers and wildlife enthusiasts in awe.

According to the club’s CEO, Darren Plumb, golfers will surely think twice before leaving it short off the 12th ladies’ tee.

While the visitors identified the snake in the footage as a cobra, local snake expert Chris Hobkirk confirmed it was a black mamba.

The video was supplied by Plumb.