Florida native Billy Horschel showcased his alligator handling skills during the first round of the Cognizant Classic at PGA National, using his 60-degree wedge to guide an errant alligator away from spectators and back into the water.

The incident occurred between the sixth and seventh holes when Horschel noticed the reptile approaching the gallery. After seeing a police officer's unsuccessful attempts to redirect the alligator, Horschel stepped in to help.

"I'm not afraid of gators," Horschel explained. "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."

Raised in Florida, Horschel learned alligator management from his father, who would often guide them back to water. While he prefers using a golf club rather than handling them directly, Horschel's calm approach demonstrated his familiarity with these situations.

The event was part of an eventful day at the Cognizant Classic, which also saw Jake Knapp shoot the 15th sub-60 round in PGA Tour history. PGA National, known for its numerous water hazards, regularly experiences alligator appearances during tournaments.

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