Billy Horschel’s Pet Gator, Chompy, Gets a Little Too Eager on the Greens at PGA National
PALM BEACHES, FL -At the Cognizant Classic, Billy Horschel faced off against an unlikely opponent: his own pet alligator, Chompy. The Florida native, known for his love of the state’s wildlife, has been training Chompy for years to respect the rules of golf. But as any pet owner knows, even the best-trained gator can get a little overexcited when Daddy’s on the course.
Chompy, a 7-foot-long American alligator with a penchant for sunbathing and the occasional stray golf ball, has been Horschel’s loyal companion since he was just a hatchling. “He’s a good boy, really,” Horschel said, patting Chompy on the head. “But sometimes, when he sees me lining up a putt, he just can’t help himself. He gets this look in his eyes, and next thing you know, he’s waddling across the green like he owns the place.”
The incident occurred on the 14th hole at PGA National, where Horschel was preparing to sink a crucial putt. Just as he addressed the ball, Chompy emerged from a nearby water hazard, his tail swishing with excitement. Spectators watched in awe as the gator ambled onto the green, leaving a trail of claw marks in his wake. “He knows he’s not supposed to walk on the greens,” Horschel explained. “But I think he just wanted to be part of the action. He’s a big fan of the game.”
Despite the interruption, Horschel managed to keep his cool. “I just looked at him and said, ‘Chompy, not now, buddy.’ He gave me this guilty look, like, ‘Sorry, Dad,’ and then he slid back into the water. It was actually kind of adorable.”
Tournament officials were less amused. “We’ve had geese, we’ve had squirrels, but this is the first time we’ve had to deal with a pet alligator,” said one official, who asked not to be named. “We’re going to have to have a serious talk with Billy about bringing Chompy to future events.”
Horschel, however, remains unapologetic. “Chompy’s part of the family,” he said. “And let’s be honest, he’s way better behaved than some of the guys out here. At least he doesn’t throw clubs.”
As for Chompy, he spent the rest of the round lounging in the water hazard, occasionally snapping at passing ducks. When asked if he had any regrets about his green-side escapade, the gator simply blinked lazily, as if to say, “No regrets. Just living my best life.”
In the end, Horschel prevailed in his matchup, proving that even a pet gator can’t throw him off his game. But one thing’s for sure: Chompy has officially become the most memorable caddie in PGA Tour history.
