Billy Horschel got here nose to nose with an surprising competitor throughout his newest cease on the PGA Tour.
Spectators on the Cognizant Basic on Thursday, Feb. 27, had been shocked when an alligator made its method to the course — aside from Horschel, 38.
The surprising scene occurred simply because the golfer had completed his sixth gap at PGA Nationwide in Palm Seaside Gardens, Fla., his fifteenth gap of the day in Spherical 1 of the event, the Associated Press reviews.
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In response to the information company, Horschel was going to the following tee when he noticed an officer unsuccessfully shooing away the reptile.
A video shared by the PGA Tour on X exhibits Horschel slowly approaching the gator as he walked on the course.
Utilizing the blade of a 60-degree wedge, he poked the gator on its facet, inflicting it to show instantly round and return within the water.
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“Oh yeah, Billy! That is a gator getting a gator,” a person could possibly be heard saying within the video, referring to Horschel being an alumnus of the College of Florida, whose mascot is a gator. The incident did not appear to faze him as he shot a 5-under 66 on the first day of the event.
While speaking to reporters afterward, Horschel defined why he isn’t afraid of alligators.
“Hear, as I inform most individuals, I stated, they’re extra afraid of you. Nearly all of the time they’re solely going to come back after you throughout mating season, the place they’re somewhat aggressive. After which should you’re round their nest after they’ve bought some eggs,” he stated. “Nearly all of the time, they’re advantageous.”
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The athlete, who’s a Florida native, stated he is seen folks interacting with gators from a younger age.
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“I grew up with my dad grabbing their tail after they’re on the facet of the financial institution and shooing them again within the water. I by no means touched a tail with my hand however I’ve achieved it with a membership,” he stated. “It isn’t that large of a deal.”
