Billy Horschel didn’t let a surprise visitor shake his concentration during the Cognizant Classic in Palm Beach Gardens. The PGA golfer spotted an alligator making its way onto the course and swiftly took action — using a club to move the reptile off the green.
The incident happened at PGA National as Horschel and others were transitioning from the sixth hole to the next tee. A police officer on-site attempted to steer the gator away — but with no proper tool in hand, his efforts weren’t effective. Horschel, noticing the hesitation, grabbed a club and took care of the problem himself.
Billy Horschel: Florida Gator, gator wrangler. pic.twitter.com/KxZKX2aZp8
— Fore Play (@ForePlayPod) February 27, 2025
The scene caught the attention of fans — some of whom found humor in the fact that Horschel, a former University of Florida golfer, was now handling an actual alligator. “That’s a Gator getting the gator,” one spectator remarked.
Horschel later spoke about the encounter — saying he wasn’t concerned because he had grown up around alligators. He explained that they typically avoid people unless they feel threatened or are in mating season. He also noted that while he had seen his father move gators by their tails, he preferred to use a club instead.
The brief disruption didn’t derail his play. Horschel ended his round at 5-under 66 — keeping him in contention. Jake Knapp, however, grabbed the headlines with a historic round of 59 — joining an elite group of players who have achieved the rare score.
Florida’s golf courses frequently see wildlife roaming near the greens — but it’s not every day that a player personally handles the situation. Horschel’s calm response showed that dealing with the unexpected is just another part of the game in the Sunshine State.
