Billy Horschel’s encounter with a 5-to-6-foot alligator during the first round of the 2025 Cognizant Classic at the PGA National Resort, Palm Beach Gardens, made waves across the globe. The incident was a display of sheer audacity, reminiscent of his father’s gator-wrangling skills, that left golf fans and internet users captivated.
The scenario began unfolding when an unexpected guest, an alligator, decided to make an appearance on the course. A police officer on the scene was attempting to steer the reptile away, albeit without any tools. Horschel, a University of Florida graduate, fearlessly took control of the situation. He skillfully used his 60-degree wedge to guide the alligator back into a nearby water hazard. The whole ordeal unfolded in a matter of seconds, with Horschel maintaining his composed demeanor throughout.
In an even more remarkable feat, Horschel had already been delivering an exceptional round before the reptilian interruption. He had secured four birdies and an eagle. Not to be deterred, he rushed back to his position after dealing with the alligator, sinking an 11-foot putt for another birdie. His unfazed attitude and commitment to the game were on full display.
In a post-round interview, Horschel shed light on his nerveless approach to the alligator encounter. “I grew up with my dad grabbing their tails on the bank and shooing them back into the water. I’ve never touched one with my hand, but a club? That’s just part of growing up here,” he said, exhibiting the casual confidence of a seasoned Floridian.
Horschel’s nonchalant attitude towards gators is now part of his growing reputation on the tour. Golf personality Paige Spiranac also acknowledged the viral incident, particularly appreciating Horschel’s commitment to maintaining the pace of play.
In a humorous remark about his equipment choice, Horschel quipped: “Good thing I grabbed the 60-degree—I’ve got two more in the locker if that one got confiscated.” This light-hearted comment was indicative of his calm demeanor, reflecting his preparedness for such unique on-course challenges.
The video of this riveting episode quickly went viral on social media, garnering a whopping 12 million views within 24 hours across Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok. The online community was awestruck by Horschel’s fearless demeanor. Comments flooded in from all corners, praising his courage and wit.
This unforgettable encounter left quite a mark on Horschel’s career, solidifying his reputation as not just an exceptional golfer, but also as the tour’s official “Gator Wrangler.” The question now is, will this incident prompt the PGA tour to reevaluate its policy on wildlife encounters? Only time will tell.
As the dust from this remarkable event settles, one thing is clear: Billy Horschel isn’t just a golfer. He’s a full-fledged Florida man, skillfully wrangling gators and birdies with equal aplomb.
