Billy Horschel, a seasoned PGA Tour player and Florida native, experienced an unusual encounter with an alligator during the Cognizant Classic on Thursday. His familiarity with both the state and the tournament came in handy, given the event’s history at the PGA National’s Champion course in Palm Beach Gardens. This tournament, running for over two decades, is no stranger to its share of gator run-ins, emblematic of Florida’s wildlife.
Horschel, who grew up in Grant, Florida, not far from Palm Beach, and sharpened his skills playing for the University of Florida, truly embraced his “Gator” identity in more ways than one. It’s common knowledge among locals—and quite expected—that alligators make appearances on golf courses here. But outsiders might find themselves taken aback by how Horschel handled it.
Recalling the incident during his post-round interview, Horschel painted a vivid picture. “We were on the 6th green, just finished putting, and as I moved to head to the 7th hole, there it was—the gator,” he described, noting the police officer on duty who attempted, unsuccessfully, to shoo it away sans a tool.
Approaching an alligator is risky regardless of your familiarity with them. Understanding this, Horschel knew they needed something to urge the creature back into the pond, promptly opting for a golf club. “Instead of someone fetching a rake from the 8th, I decided, being about 30 yards away, a club would do the trick,” he recounted.
Horschel swiftly grabbed his club and approached the sizeable 6-foot alligator, with the calmness of someone who’s been in similar situations. Without hesitation, he gently nudged the gator with the club, and, after a light tap on its head, the alligator snapped and then hurried into the water, courtesy of Horschel’s persistent escort to the pond.
Reflecting on the episode, Horschel chuckled at his encounter, enhanced with light-hearted analysis on the officer’s attempts: “The officer didn’t have much more than a tasing option, which would mean getting quite close!”
Witnessed in a circulating video, Horschel’s tool of choice—a wedge, despite its short length—proved suitable for the task. “I grabbed a 60-degree wedge,” he shared. “Glad I did, as I have spares in the locker just in case of gator casualties!”
Horschel further explained his fearless approach to gators, emphasizing their innate aversion to humans. “They’re generally fearful unless it’s mating season or they’re nesting. Growing up, I watched my dad get them back in the water, though I always used a club instead of my hands. No big deal.”
The incident had no detriment to Horschel’s game. He finished his round without missing a beat, delivering consecutive birdies and closing at a commendable five-under 66. This left him tied for 16th, seven strokes behind leader Jake Knapp.
Kevin Cunningham, Golf.com’s Senior Managing Producer, edited this piece. As a key figure at Golf.com, Cunningham shapes and shares the engaging narratives that captivate golf enthusiasts globally.
