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2d ago

Vince Whaley Hits From Water Beside Gator, Saves Par and Finishes T-3

Opting against relief permitted for dangerous wildlife reflected his push to protect PGA Tour standing.

Mar 2, 2025; Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA; Vince Whaley plays a shot from a bunker on the 18th hole during the final round of the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • During the final round at the Country Club of Jackson, Whaley waded into ankle-deep water on the par-5 11th with an alligator nearby and played the ball as it lay.
  • He splashed out, chipped close and saved par, part of a five-under closing round that secured a tie for third.
  • The result moved him from No. 102 to No. 84 in FedExCup points, strengthening his bid to retain full PGA Tour status for 2026.
  • Whaley estimated the alligator was about 20 feet away and said his plan was to leave the water immediately if it moved, relying on his caddie to watch the animal.
  • Commentators voiced alarm as the clip spread widely, highlighting that the Rules of Golf allow relief from dangerous wildlife even though Whaley chose to play the shot.