Gator strolls across fairway during Zurich Classic of New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS – Golf and gators go together on the PGA Tour’s stop in Louisiana. And Friday was no exception.
During Round 2 of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, an alligator strolled out of the water and onto the fairway at No. 17, WVUE reported.
That’s not unusual. TPC Louisiana is home to more than 20 reptiles, according to The Athletic. That includes Tripod, a three-legged alligator that is 11 feet in length and the oldest gator on the course. He also has his own Twitter account.
The alligator that crossed the 17th fairway on Friday was not Tripod, but was certainly a large resident of the 7,341-yard, par-72 course. No. 17 is a 216-yard hole that is considered the most difficult par-3 on the course. Water also runs the length of the hole down the left side of the fairway, making it an inviting home for alligators.
Through the years, fans have photographed the gators, who seem to enjoy the attention. Some of the reptiles will lounge in the middle of the fairway, or, in one case, eat a bunker rake, The Washington Post reported.
The two-man team event also features plenty of good golfers, including defending champions Jon Rahm and Ryan Palmer.
Two teams shared the lead after the first round at 10-under-par 62 — Brice Garnett and Scott Stallings, and Viktor Hovland and Kris Ventura. The tournament ends Sunday.
