Billy Horschel made headlines after swiftly clearing an alligator off the course during a PGA Tour tournament.
On Friday, while making his way to the 7th hole after completing his round on the 6th at the PGA National Resort Championship Course (Par 71) in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Horschel spotted the alligator on the fairway.
It’s not uncommon to see alligators on golf courses in Florida and other southern states. These reptiles often lounge near the water hazards and occasionally wander onto the fairways.
A security officer attempted to shoo the alligator off the course, but the reptile was uncooperative.
Without missing a beat, Horschel approached the alligator and gently pressed the head of his wedge against its shoulder. The tactic worked, and the alligator turned around and headed toward the left rough. Horschel made sure the creature fully retreated into the water before walking away.
ESPN covered the incident extensively and was impressed by Horschel’s clearing the course in just six seconds. The sports network joked, “That’s a gator getting a gator,” referencing the University of Florida’s Gators athletic nickname.
“I grew up with my dad grabbing their tails when they’re on the side of the bank and shooing them back into the water,” Horschel said. “I’ve never touched a tail with my hands, but I’ve done it with a club, so it’s not that big of a deal.”
That day, Horschel went on to post an impressive 5-under-par 66.