When in Florida, look after Gators on the golf course.
Unless you’re Bill Horschel.
Horschel, a Florida Gators-alumnus, knows everything about real life waving on the field. That’s what happened at PGA National Thursday during the first round of the cognizant classic.
Horschel was spotted with his 60-degree wedge who shot a Gator who approached him during his round, and he entered the clubhouse tied in 16th place with a 5-under performance.
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Billy Horschel recognizes the crowd after making his putt on the second hole during the last round of AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am on Pebble Beach Golf Links. (Kyle Terada/Imag images)
Looks effortless, Horschel chilled on the gator, and it retreated to the water.
After the round, Horschel talked about the moment there was viral on social media.
“I’m not afraid of Gators,” Horschel said via ESPN. “Listen, as I tell most people, I said, ‘They’re more scared of you.’ Most of the time they only come after you during the mating season where they are a little aggressive and then if you are around their nest when they have some eggs.
Phas Jake Knapp joins Historic Company with 59 on the famous tournament
That’s not to say that Horschel wasn’t careful. He made sure not to aggressively try sticking the gator. He was calm and collected, just as he has been in many pressure moments during his PGA Tour career.
Gator showed up when Horschel finished his sixth hole during the round and he found the gator while going to the next tee box.
Billy Horschel Putts on the second hole during the final round of AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am Golf Tournament on Pebble Beach Golf Links. (Kyle Terada/Imag images)
“He went nothing well,” Horschel added. “So I went right over there helped the policeman.”
Horschel ended his day with four birdies, an eagle and a bogey. Bogey came on the par-4 second hole, but he got par-5-third to get back under pari.
Horschel bird holes eight, nine and 10, and after cooling slightly on the back nine with some pairs, he finished his round with a birdie on par-5 18.
Although this would have been a big round in any other tournament, Horschel has some catching up to do because Jake Knapp shot a fantastic 59 to put him at the forefront after round 1 at 12-Under.
Billy Horschel responds to the audience’s applause after making a putt on the third green during the first round of Cognizant Classic in Palm Beaches Golf Tournament. (Reinhold Matay/Imag photos)
The closest to Knapp is Daniel Berger, Russell Henley and Sami Valimaki, all of which are at 8-Under.
