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3d ago

Vince Whaley Saves Par Beside Gator, Climbs Into FedExCup Top 100

Rules allow free relief from dangerous wildlife, underscoring his decision to play the ball to protect full tour status.

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

  • In the Sanderson Farms Championship final round, Whaley waded into ankle-deep water on the par-5 11th at the Country Club of Jackson with an alligator close by.
  • He splashed out his third shot and got up-and-down for par, capped a 5-under round, and finished tied for third.
  • The result moved him from 102nd to 84th in the FedEx Cup standings and earned $318,000, bolstering his bid to keep full 2026 PGA Tour privileges.
  • Although the Rules of Golf allow free relief from dangerous wildlife (Decision 1-4/10), he chose to play the ball as it lay.
  • PGA TOUR video of the moment spread quickly as commentators expressed alarm, and Whaley said his caddie watched the gator as he planned to exit the water if it moved.