Billy Horschel Steps In As Alligator Disrupts Play At PGA Event
A golf tournament in Palm Beach Gardens briefly turned into a wildlife encounter on Thursday when an alligator made its way onto the green. PGA Tour player Billy Horschel, however, handled the situation with ease.
The incident occurred during the Cognizant Classic when Horschel spotted the reptile moving onto the course. A nearby police officer attempted to intervene but lacked anything to safely move the animal. Seeing the hesitation, Horschel acted quickly, grabbing a club and guiding the gator back toward the water.
Spectators reacted with laughter and applause as the golfer calmly dealt with the unexpected distraction. One fan called it a “Gator getting the gator,” referencing Horschel’s time playing for the University of Florida. Others speculated that he had handled situations like this before, which he later confirmed.
Horschel explained that growing up in Florida meant frequent encounters with alligators, and he learned from an early age that they usually aren’t a threat unless provoked. He recalled watching his father push them back into the water using their tails — a method he adapted by using a club instead of his hands.
Despite the unusual delay, Horschel remained unfazed and finished with a solid round at 5-under 66. Meanwhile, Jake Knapp posted a historic 59, one of the lowest rounds ever recorded on the PGA Tour.
Alligator sightings on Florida’s golf courses aren’t uncommon, but Horschel’s confident handling of the situation stood out. It was a reminder that in Florida, golfers don’t just have to be prepared for sand traps and water hazards — they might also have to deal with a few unexpected visitors.
