A man in his 70s who was bitten by a 1.2 metre saltwater crocodile on a far north Queensland golf course says he will not give up the game.

John Lahiff was transferred to the Cairns Hospital this morning after being attacked yesterday afternoon on the 11th hole at the Palmer Sea Reef Golf Course at Port Douglas, owned by federal MP Clive Palmer.

Warning signs are throughout the course to warn golfers. ( ABC News )

He is being treated for puncture wounds on his right leg - including one down to the bone.

Speaking with the ABC from his hospital bed, Mr Lahiff said he was alone and having a good round when he was bitten.

"I teed off and I pulled the shot left into the water trap," he said.

"I drove the cart around to retrieve the ball - and I didn't see the croc sunbaking just on the edge of the water.

"I walked past it and then it got me on the way back and as soon as it grabbed me it took off into the water."

Despite the bite he managed to drive himself back to the club house where paramedics were called.

"They said it was lucky it didn't go through an artery. Otherwise it would not have been too good."

Mr Lahiff said the attack would not deter him from playing the game anytime soon.

"I should have realised to be a bit more aware of it, of crocs being in there ... but I just took it for granted," he said.

"I'll just stay away from them, that's all. Just don't hit the balls in the water."

Mr Lahiff, who is an avid golfer and takes to the course three times a week, said he had seen crocodiles in the area before.

'It's partly my fault'

Wildlife officers are now trying to capture the crocodile, but Mr Lahiff said he did not agree with the decision.

"It's partly my fault ... for disturbing it while it was sunbaking," he said.

"I think he got more of a fright than me. He's alright."

Loading

Yesterday, a Department of Environment and Heritage Protection spokesperson said it was very unusual behaviour for a smaller crocodile of this size to interact with people.

"Crocodiles are known to be in the area and access the golf course via creeks, and as such, warning signs are in place," the spokesperson said.

"It is not the first time a crocodile has been removed from a golf course in the region."

If captured, the crocodile will be taken to a zoo or crocodile farm.

Mr Lahiff said he had not heard from Clive Palmer, who tweeted about the incident yesterday to wish the man well and joke about taking crocodile off the menu at his properties.

The saltwater crocodile is yet to be caught, despite efforts overnight.

Five wildlife officers went again to the golf course on Tuesday.

A trap and warning signs have been set up at the hole where the man was bitten.