PGA Tour: Billy Horschel 'Not Afraid,' Fends Off Gator at Cognizant Class
Billy Horschel, the Florida native, was right at home during Thursday's opening round of the Cognizant Classic, for more reasons than one.
By
Kendall is a Newsweek contributor and editor for Newsweek based in Los Angeles. His focus is all things sports with an emphasis on every aspect of professional and amateur golf. Kendall has been with Newsweek since February, 2025 and previously managed SB Nation's golf content, as well as spending nearly a decade at FOX Sports. He is a graduate of California State University of Northridge. You can get in touch with Kendall by emailing k.capps@newsweek.com
Writers Page Kendall CappsSenior Editor - Contributor
Billy Horschel knows all about gators. No, not because he went to the University of Florida and is a Gator. But he grew up in Florida, and has been around alligators most of his life.
That is why during Thursday's opening round of the Cognizant Classic, he did not bat an eye when time came to stand up to one.
After making par on six, Horschel encountered an alligator attempting to cross the next fairway.
"Right about to walk to seven, I saw the gator coming across," Horschel said after his round.
PEBBLE BEACH, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 01: Billy Horschel of the United States reacts on the second green during the third round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am 2025 at Pebble Beach Golf Links on February... PEBBLE BEACH, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 01: Billy Horschel of the United States reacts on the second green during the third round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am 2025 at Pebble Beach Golf Links on February 01, 2025 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images"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."
Not only did Horschel nudge the gator with his club, he proceeded to stalk the gator back into the water.
The experience must have made the Grant, Florida native feel right at home. Over his first six holes, he was 1-under and mostly treading water. From that point forward, Horschel played mistake-free golf. He carded four more birdies without a bogey to enter the clubhouse at 5-under par.
Unfortunately for him, that is still seven shots off the historic pace Jake Knapp set on Thursday.
Nevertheless, Horschel, who is known for speaking his mind, apparently doesn't have many fears at all.
"I'm not afraid of gators. 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.
"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."
Many people would beg to differ. Getting that close to an alligator will scare much of the population.
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