Whaley challenges alligator and saves par in golf tournament

In an unexpected turn during the Sanderson Farms Championship, golfer Vince Whaley encountered an unusual spectator: a six-foot alligator.

A Close Encounter in the Field

Whaley, while preparing to execute a shot from the edge of the 11th hole, a par 5, had to deal with the presence of the reptile, which was watching him closely. The golfer estimated that the alligator was about 20 feet away in the water.

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At that moment, Whaley was one stroke off the lead. Despite the situation, he managed to focus on his shot.

“Well, fortunately, I turned my back so I could focus on the shot for a second,” Whaley commented, adding that he had “a lot of confidence” in his caddie, who was monitoring the situation.

Vince Whaley

The caiman remained still. Whaley managed to get the ball out of the water and, with a good approach, got the par. He finished the day with a card of 67 strokes, tying for third place. What was the plan if the caiman had moved?

“The plan was to run out of the water,” he replied.

Vince Whaley