Watch Billy Horschel Tackle Alligator At Cognizant Classic
Billy Horschel turned gator whisperer as he stepped in to remove an errant reptile from the course at PGA National during the Cognizant Classic


He played college golf for the Florida Gators, so maybe we should not be too surprised that Billy Horschel came to the rescue when an alligator strayed onto the PGA National course at the Cognizant Classic.
It was an eventful first round at PGA National, with Jake Knapp shooting the 15th sub-60 round in PGA Tour history followed by Horschel's heroics.
Horschel had just finished the sixth hole at PGA National and was on his way to the seventh tee when he noticed the errant reptile crawling towards the gallery.
A police officer was on guard, but having no joy in directing the alligator back to one of the many bodies of water on the course - which is no stranger to a gator sighting.
Step forward Horschel though, who got his club selection just right as he used his 60 degree wedge to give the gator a gentle prod before walking it back into the lake.
"I'm not afraid of gators," said Florida native Horschel, who has had plenty of encounters with gators over the years.
"Listen, as I tell most people, they're more afraid of you. The majority of the time they're only going to come after you during mating season where they're a little aggressive and then if you're around their nest when they've got some eggs. The majority of the time, they're fine.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
"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."
Billy Horschel chasing an alligator off the course at the Cognizant Classic 😅 pic.twitter.com/1vIxFwvYedFebruary 28, 2025
Horschel explained that he spotted the police officer have no joy trying to guide the gator away, so had no hesitation in stepping in to help - with the help of his wedge.
"Right about to walk to seven I saw the gator coming across," said Horschel. "The cop who was working with us walked over there and tried to shoo him, but he didn't have anything to touch him and he was trying to get as close as he could.
"It was either someone was going to have to go up to No. 8 and grab a rake or I was 30 yards away, 25 yards away, and I just grabbed a club and went over there and pushed him away.
"Listen, he was going nowhere good. So I just went over there, helped the cop. As Cam said before I went over there, he goes, what was he going to do, try and use a Tazer on him? But I think he would have had to get a little close on that one to try and make it effective."
A post shared by PGA TOUR (@pgatour)
A photo posted by on
Paul Higham is a sports journalist with over 20 years of experience in covering most major sporting events for both Sky Sports and BBC Sport. He is currently freelance and covers the golf majors on the BBC Sport website. Highlights over the years include covering that epic Monday finish in the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor and watching Rory McIlroy produce one of the most dominant Major wins at the 2011 US Open at Congressional. He also writes betting previews and still feels strangely proud of backing Danny Willett when he won the Masters in 2016 - Willett also praised his putting stroke during a media event before the Open at Hoylake. Favourite interviews he's conducted have been with McIlroy, Paul McGinley, Thomas Bjorn, Rickie Fowler and the enigma that is Victor Dubuisson. A big fan of watching any golf from any tour, sadly he spends more time writing about golf than playing these days with two young children, and as a big fair weather golfer claims playing in shorts is worth at least five shots. Being from Liverpool he loves the likes of Hoylake, Birkdale and the stretch of tracks along England's Golf Coast, but would say his favourite courses played are Kingsbarns and Portrush.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
-
Finally! Rory McIlroy's New Nike Shoes Have Arrived And Here Is How You Can Get Them
After months of waiting, the latest Victory Tour shoes have gone on sale, and here I have detailed how you can get a pair.
By Sam Tremlett Published
-
Valero Texas Open 2025 Picks, Predictions And Odds
The last event before The Masters takes place at the Valero Texas Open, where there is one final spot available for the first men's Major of 2025
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Alejandro Tosti Fires Back After Slow Play Accusation At Houston Open
Tosti has responded to claims that he was deliberately playing slowly to put off playing partner, Min Woo Lee, during the final round of the Texas Children's Houston Open
By Matt Cradock Published
-
PGA Tour Pro Wraps Up Masters Spot In Incredibly Tight Affair
Michael Kim edged out Ben Griffin to qualify for The Masters via his world ranking following a tense battle between the pair in the Houston Open
By Mike Hall Published
-
Gary Woodland Produces Best PGA Tour Finish Since Return From Brain Surgery
The 2019 US Open champion had brain surgery to remove a benign tumor in 2023, with a T2 at the Texas Children's Houston Open his best finish since returning at the start of last year
By Mike Hall Published
-
Rory McIlroy Reveals Issue With Right Elbow Ahead Of Latest Masters Challenge
The four-time Major winner revealed to the Golf Channel he has discomfort in his right elbow, less than two weeks before his latest attempt to win the Green Jacket
By Mike Hall Published
-
Why Does Min Woo Lee Say 'Let Him Cook'?
The PGA Tour star has a popular catchphrase, but what are its origins?
By Mike Hall Published
-
How Eugenio Chacarra Can Qualify For A PGA Tour Card Following Indian Open Success
Eugenio Chacarra secured his DP World Tour card with victory at the Hero Indian Open, but what does it mean for his chances of making it to the PGA Tour?
By Mike Hall Published
-
Min Woo Lee Holds Off Scottie Scheffler and Gary Woodland To Win Texas Children's Houston Open
The Australian claimed a one stroke victory at the Texas Children's Houston Open, with Lee securing his maiden PGA Tour title in a thrilling final day
By Matt Cradock Last updated
-
Tony Finau Misses 3-Inch Putt In Costly Houston Open Gaffe
The six-time PGA Tour winner had a nightmare moment on the 15th during the third round at Memorial Park Golf Course
By Mike Hall Published