Huge alligator stops play as it takes to the course

When you are lining up to take your shot, even the smallest distraction can really affect your swing. Even a loud cough can have an influence. Now, imagine how distracting a giant alligator would be.

Not a usual sight for us here in the UK, but such a sight befell the players at the Buffalo Creek Golf Club in Florida a few weeks ago. The enormous reptile halted golfers in their tracks as it made its leisurely way across the grounds.

Charles Helms was playing a game with friends but the snappy play was a bit more literal than he imagined. After the initial shock, Helms whipped out his phone and recorded the situation on his phone. “I was stunned and silent,” he told ABC Action News. “It was just laying down, resting, when it got up and started moving towards the big lake.”

The video he took has gone viral, with the story being reported on a number of news outlets. In the video, Helms’ reaction is understandably astonished. He can be heard saying: “You ever seen anything that big?” and “Holy c**p, that is a monster.”

Course owners reported that the alligator was a somewhat regular guest at the course, and Wendy Schofield told 3 news that “he doesn't bother anybody and they don’t mind him”. She continued: “He has been here a very, very long time”.

The alligator in question has been estimated to be around 15 ft, making it potentially one of the larger alligators recorded.

Thankfully the alligator seems to offer relatively little threat to golfers and games can continue as normal. And if you happen to be playing golf in Buffalo Creek in the near future, there is a little extra initiative to avoid losing your ball in the water hazards.

Photo by Raymond LR / Shutterstock.com