PGA Tour golfer Vince Whaley faced a harrowing moment on Sunday during the Sanderson Farms Championship at the Country Club of Jackson in Mississippi. As he attempted to play a shot from murky water on the 314-yard par-5 11th hole, a 6-foot alligator was observed staring at him. The unexpected encounter added an element of tension to the round, but Whaley remained composed and focused on his shot. According to the golfer, the alligator was approximately 20 feet away when he attempted his shot, which was a crucial moment in the tournament.
Whaley, who is 30 years old, expressed confidence in his caddie’s ability to monitor his surroundings and ensure his safety during the incident. “Well, thankfully my back was to him, so I could focus on the shot for a second,” he said. Whaley added that he had “a lot of trust” in his caddie watching his back. The alligator did not move, but Whaley revealed the plan should it have crept closer. “The plan was to get the hell out of the water,” he said.
Despite the dangerous situation, Whaley managed to save par on the hole and safely exit the water. His performance during the round was commendable, as he finished 5-under par for the round and 19-under for the tournament. He was tied for third in the event with Rasmus Højgaard and Danny Walker, while Steven Fisk emerged victorious by finishing two strokes better than Garrick Higgo. The 30-year-old golfer has played 135 events in his PGA Tour career, with no wins but a strong record of 84 cuts made, five top-five finishes, and 11 top-10 finishes.
Whaley’s 2025 season has seen three top-10 finishes, which indicates his continued presence in the competitive landscape of professional golf. The incident at the Sanderson Farms Championship not only showcased his composure under pressure but also highlighted the unpredictable challenges golfers can face during tournament play. The Associated Press contributed to this report, and the event has attracted attention from sports enthusiasts and media outlets, with further coverage available on Fox News Sports platforms.