
Image credits: @PaulHodowanic via X
Billy Horschel, a Florida native and former University of Florida Gators golfer, had a unique encounter on the course at PGA National during the first round of the Cognizant Classic. As he was walking to the next tee after finishing the sixth hole, he spotted an alligator making its way across the green. A nearby police officer was trying to shoo the alligator away, but it was not having any effect. Horschel, being familiar with the wildlife in the Sunshine State, grabbed a 60-degree wedge and used it to poke the alligator, guiding it back to the water.
The whole exchange took about six seconds, and Horschel made it look easy. He said he was not afraid of the alligator, knowing that they are generally more afraid of humans. Horschel finished the round with a 5-under 66 score, which included four birdies, one eagle, and one bogey. He is currently seven shots behind the leader, Jake Knapp, who shot a historic 59 in the first round. The PGA Tour golfer's experience with alligators dates back to his childhood, when his dad would grab their tails and shoo them back into the water.
Horschel's calm and collected demeanor during the encounter was impressive, and he even joked about being cautious not to damage his golf club. He said he chose the 60-degree wedge because he had two extras in his locker, just in case. The incident has gone viral on social media, with many praising Horschel's quick thinking and bravery. As for the alligator, it seemed to be unharmed and swam back into the water without any issues. The golf community is buzzing with excitement about the unusual encounter, and Horschel's score is a testament to his focus and skill on the course.
The Cognizant Classic is one of the most prestigious tournaments on the PGA Tour schedule, and the competition is fierce. With Jake Knapp's historic 59, the bar has been set high, and Horschel will need to bring his A-game if he wants to catch up. The tournament will continue over the next few days, and fans can expect to see more exciting moments from the world's top golfers. Here are the current standings:
- Jake Knapp: 12-under
- Daniel Berger: 8-under
- Russell Henley: 8-under
- Sami Valimaki: 8-under
- Billy Horschel: 5-under
The PGA Tour schedule is packed with exciting events, and the Cognizant Classic is just one of the many tournaments that golf fans can look forward to. With its rich history and talented field of players, the tournament is sure to deliver plenty of thrilling moments. As for Horschel, he will be looking to build on his strong start and make a push for the top of the leaderboard. With his experience and skill, he is definitely a contender to watch in the coming days.
pga horschel cognizant billy gator alligator national classic golf tour
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