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Golf Action Takes a Wild Turn with Alligator Encounter

Enjoy the breathtaking views of the golf course where nature meets the game.

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News Summary

During the 2025 Cognizant Classic, veteran golfer Billy Horschel faced a unique situation on the course when he encountered a six-foot alligator. Instead of backing away, Horschel used his 60-degree wedge to nudge the reptile away from the fairway. After the unexpected interruption, he completed the round strongly with a score of 5-under 66, showcasing his humor and resilience amidst wildlife encounters.

Golf Action Takes a Wild Turn with Alligator Encounter

When Golf Meets the Wild!

Here’s a spicy story that unfolded during the opening round of the 2025 Cognizant Classic held at PGA National’s Champion course. The event, known for its rich history of almost twenty years, took an unexpected twist when veteran golfer Billy Horschel found himself in a rather unique confrontation on the lush greens.

Horschel, a true Florida native, was making his way from the sixth green to the seventh tee after a sweet putt. Florida is famous for its wildlife, and on this sunny day, it was no different. Just as he walked along, he spotted an alligator—a hefty six-footer—sunning itself dangerously close to the fairway. Sounds like the start of a wild golf story, right?

The Standoff

Now, you’d think that the presence of an alligator would send any golfer running for the hills, but not our buddy Horschel. A police officer on site tried to shoo away the gator, but it was clear that the gator had no plans of moving along just yet. Realizing the officer was lacking the proper tools for the job, Horschel took matters into his own hands. With a quick grab from his bag, he pulled out a 60-degree wedge—a trusty club that can usually send a ball soaring through the air, but today it had a different purpose.

With a gentle poke on the gator’s skull, Horschel encouraged the reptile to scurry away. Although the alligator responded with a snap of its jaws, the situation was handled swiftly as it eventually turned and headed towards a nearby pond. Horschel, ensuring the gator was safe from any further disturbances, followed it for a short distance before resuming his game.

Resuming Play After a Wild Intermission

After this wild encounter, Horschel returned to the sport he loves, finishing the round strong with back-to-back birdies on the 8th and 9th holes. His impressive score of 5-under 66 was no small feat, placing him tied for 16th and only seven strokes behind the leader, Jake Knapp.

His brush with the alligator wasn’t just a story for the spectators and fellow players; it became a light-hearted topic across social media. Many golf enthusiasts found joy and humor in the golfer’s ability to handle such an uncommon situation on the course.

All in a Day’s Play

Billy Horschel is no stranger to Florida’s wildlife. Growing up in a small town just north of Palm Beach, he often witnessed interactions with alligators, even recalling how his father would once use a club to encourage the creatures back into the water. To him, alligators are typically more scared of humans than vice versa. However, he does acknowledge that during mating season or while protecting nests, alligators can have a more aggressive demeanor.

This recent episode is just one of the many tales that make the game of golf endlessly fascinating. After all, who wouldn’t find a touch of nature on the course exhilarating? For those following along at home, there’s always something to learn—whether it’s about perfecting your swing or how to navigate an unexpected run-in with wildlife.

Being a part of the Cognizant Classic also means being part of a long tradition of excellence in golf. And while golfers usually keep their eyes on the ball, Horschel’s adventure reminded everyone that sometimes, it’s not just about the game but about embracing every moment, even if it comes with a bit of wildlife excitement.

As the tournament progresses, we can only imagine what other surprises are in store. Whether it’s eagle shots, unexpected birdies, or maybe another alligator sighting, golf enthusiasts are in for a treat. Keep your clubs close and your eyes wide open!