PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — A Gator took on a gator. Billy Horschel received.
Let’s clarify: Horschel performed his faculty golf for the Florida Gators, so he is aware of loads in regards to the wildlife that will get seen on programs within the Sunshine State — together with, sure, alligators. And when a gator made its means onto the course at PGA Nationwide on Thursday, Horschel knew what to do.
The Florida native grabbed a 60-degree wedge, poked on the gator and obtained it to retreat again to the water. And he made it look straightforward.
“I’m not afraid of gators,” Horschel mentioned. “Pay attention, as I inform most individuals, I mentioned, 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 slightly aggressive after which if you happen to’re round their nest once they’ve obtained some eggs. Nearly all of the time, they’re tremendous.”
Horschel had simply completed enjoying the sixth gap at PGA Nationwide, his fifteenth gap of the day in Round 1 of the Cognizant Classic. As he was strolling to the following tee, he noticed the gator crawling about and a police officer was attempting to shoo it away with no success.
“He was going nowhere good,” Horschel mentioned. “So, I simply went over there, helped the cop.”
Horschel mentioned he questioned if the officer was going to make use of a Taser to try to distract the gator. A golf membership did the trick simply tremendous.
He walked as much as the fitting facet of the gator and used the blade of his wedge to mainly poke its shoulder, getting it to vary course. The gator obtained the trace and veered again to its left. Horschel adopted the gator throughout the grass, watching it head on to the water. The entire alternate took about six seconds.
So, Horschel’s day in wildlife phrases: 4 birdies, one eagle and one gator. He shot a 5-under 66, ending seven photographs behind early chief Jake Knapp after his spherical of 59 — the fifteenth such spherical in PGA Tour historical past.
“I grew up with my dad grabbing their tail once they’re on the facet of the financial institution and shooing them again within the water,” Horschel mentioned. “I by no means touched a tail with my hand however I’ve executed it with a membership. Not that massive of a deal.”
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