Golf enthusiasts in Florida often encounter alligators on the course, but PGA Tour golfer Billy Horschel took a bold step during his round at the Cognizant Classic on Friday. While walking the fairway at Palm Beach Gardens, Horschel came across a gator resting in the middle of the course. A police officer on the scene attempted to disperse the creature without success.
In a surprising display of calmness, Horschel approached the alligator and gently waved his golf club to encourage it to leave. Initially, the gator snapped at him but soon made its way across the fairway and into the nearby water. Witnesses reacted with shouts of encouragement and surprise at Horschel’s fearless handling of the situation.
Afterward, Horschel remarked, “I’m not afraid of gators,” explaining that they are typically more scared of humans. He noted that alligator aggression mainly occurs during mating season or when they’re protecting nests.
Alligators on golf courses aren’t uncommon, and Horschel’s interaction with the animal was noteworthy, but it wasn’t the only thing on his mind. After completing his round, he expressed his concerns about the course’s setup, particularly in relation to scoring conditions. He commented on the exceptional performance of PGA Tour’s rising star, Jake Knapp, who scored a remarkable 12-under par 59—making it only the 15th time in PGA Tour history that a golfer has achieved a sub-60 round.
Horschel acknowledged Knapp’s stellar performance, stating that the course’s rough wasn’t penal enough for errant shots, which contributed to the unusually low scoring. He expressed disappointment in the easy scoring conditions, predicting that this tournament would see its lowest scoring average ever, possibly by a shot and a half.
Knapp’s round came just shy of the tour record of 58, held by Jim Furyk, who has managed to accomplish a sub-60 round twice. Horschel’s candid remarks about course management and scoring highlighted the competitive nature of professional golf, alongside the unforgettable encounter with the alligator—a true symbol of Florida golf.
In summary, Billy Horschel’s memorable interaction with an alligator highlighted the unique challenges golfers face in Florida, while also punctuating the competitive spirit of the Cognizant Classic, where record-breaking scores were on display.