Cody Gribble noticed the gator just chilling on the fairway at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. That’s when he decided to go and do something about it. He simply walked over to it and shooed it away with his hands.
Don't try this at home.
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 16, 2017
The incident happened on live television in Orlando. After the round was completed, Gribble spoke with reporters. He said he wasn’t really afraid of the gator, which was around 8-feet long. Gribble also said his sponsors probably frowned upon how he handled the situation.
Full-time golfer. Part-time gator wrangler. pic.twitter.com/S2sNUInQ82
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 17, 2017
After the gator was tapped, it immediately jumped into the water.
The 26-year-old golfer said he knew what he was doing because he has encountered gators in the past. He said he wasn’t in the gator’s way and he was right behind him. He added that the alligator was beautiful and its skin was incredibly clean. Gribble didn’t realize the incident was caught on video. He was surprised when his interaction with the reptile got so much attention.
Gators need exercise too, no biggie guys. March 17, 2017
As for how well Gribble did in the game, he was tied for 101st place at 6-over. He was 12 strokes behind Charley Hoffman and Lucas Glover, who are at the top of the leader board.
