Because only in Florida does a pro golfer turn into a gator wrangler mid-tournament.
PGA National in Palm Beach was supposed to be all about birdies and bogeys—until a real-life Florida moment crashed the party. Former Florida Gator (yes, the irony is delicious) Billy Horschel found himself in a showdown with an actual alligator on the sixth hole. And no, this wasn’t a sponsor’s mascot gone rogue.
The Battle Begins
Picture this: A small but sassy gator decides the fairway is prime real estate. A police officer tries to shoo it away, but the gator? Not impressed. Enter Billy Horschel, Florida Man™ in disguise, armed with a 60-degree wedge—because why call animal control when you’ve got a golf club?
With the confidence of a man who’s probably wrestled gators before breakfast, Horschel gently poked the reptile back toward the water. The crowd erupted in cheers, and the announcers dropped the best line of the day: “That’s gator-on-gator crime right there.”
Florida Man Logic
After shooting a 5-under 66 (because chasing gators is just a warm-up), Horschel explained his fearless approach: “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. I never touched a tail with my hand, but I’ve done it with a club. Not that big of a deal.”
Ah yes, just a casual Florida childhood—where gator wrangling is as normal as learning to ride a bike.
The Aftermath
The internet, naturally, lost its mind. Social media dubbed it the most Florida PGA Tour moment ever, and honestly, they’re not wrong. Meanwhile, the gator probably swam off muttering, “Dude, I was just trying to spectate.”
Horschel’s takeaway? “They’re more afraid of you.” Sure, Billy. Tell that to the rest of us who would’ve sprinted to the clubhouse screaming.
And that, folks, is how you turn a golf tournament into a wildlife documentary—Florida style.