Florida man: Pro golfer uses wedge to scare alligator off PGA Tour course

A Gator took on a gator during a PGA Tour event on Thursday.

The bizarre scene played out during the first round of Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches when former Florida Gator Billy Horschel chased an alligator off the course on the sixth hole at PGA National.

Horschel, a native of Grant, Florida, used a 60-degree wedge to poke at the small gator, forcing it to retreat into the water. Horschel’s efforts drew applause from patrons and praise from announcers.

“That’s gator-on-gator crime right there,” announcers said. “Thank goodness the officials are there. Billy, escorting a former teammate back to safety.”

Horschel shot a 5-under 66, finishing seven shots behind early leader Jake Knapp, who shot the 15th sub-60 round in PGA Tour history on Thursday.

He told the media after his round that growing up on Florida golf courses has made him quite used to the sometimes-fearsome reptiles.

“I’m not afraid of gators,” Horschel said. “Listen, as I tell most people, I said, they’re more afraid of you. The majority of the time they’re only going to come after you during mating season where they’re a little aggressive and then if you’re around their nest when they’ve got some eggs. The majority of the time, they’re fine.”

Horschel said he saw the gator crawling a police officer trying to shoo it away unsuccessfully, so he stepped in.

“I grew up with my dad grabbing their tail when they’re on the side of the bank and shooing them back in the water,” Horschel said. “I never touched a tail with my hand, but I’ve done it with a club. Not that big of a deal.”