News Summary
In a thrilling opening round at the Cognizant Classic, Billy Horschel navigated an unexpected alligator encounter while Jake Knapp made history with a score of 12-under 59. Horschel’s calm response showcased his experience, while Knapp’s remarkable performance brought him closer to breaking the PGA Tour record. With improved course conditions, multiple players excelled, setting the stage for an exciting weekend.
Golf Drama Unfolds as Horschel Handles Alligator While Knapp Makes History
In a day brimming with excitement on the greens, Billy Horschel took the spotlight at the Cognizant Classic, an event hosted at the prestigious PGA National Resort. On February 27, 2025, Horschel showcased his skills with a solid opening round score of 5-under 66, but the real buzz came from a surprise encounter on the course that only seasoned Floridians might expect.
A Gator on the Greens
While it’s not uncommon to have wildlife make an appearance in the sunshine state, hours after the sun rose, an unexpected guest—a rather large alligator—strolled onto the golf course. As the tension rose, Horschel, who knows the ins and outs of Florida as a former college golfer for the Gators, wasn’t about to let the gator steal his thunder. With a quick thinking move, he grabbed his trusty 60-degree wedge and gently poked the alligator, convincing it to make a swift retreat back to the nearby water.
Many would have found themselves in a state of panic, but Horschel’s cool demeanor shone through as he acknowledged that most gators are actually more afraid of humans than we think. With a sharp focus on his game, Horschel continued his round, aiming to keep up with the hot competition.
Knapp’s Record-Setting Performance
If the presence of a gator wasn’t enough to create a spectacle, Jake Knapp changed the landscape of the tournament with his remarkable performance. He finished his round with an astounding score of 12-under 59, marking it as just the 15th sub-60 round in PGA Tour history. Knapp’s score turned out to be a significant moment, just a heartbeat away from breaking the overall record of 58, which was set by Jim Furyk in 2016.
Knapp had a phenomenal start, sinking five consecutive birdies right out of the gate and going on to bank a total of 12 birdies without ever slipping into bogey territory. His near-eagle putt on the final hole—a challenging 18-foot effort—stood out as both thrilling and just a smidge short of glory.
Course Conditions Favor Scoring
The PGA National Resort this year rolled out some improvements like overseeding the tees and fairways, resulting in a course that was friendlier for golfers, leading to a string of impressive scores from players across the board. Conditions were on their side, with favorable elements such as light winds and soft greens contributing to an average score of 68.63. Remarkably, of the 144 players in competition, a whopping 115 broke par.
Other notable performances included Russell Henley, Daniel Berger, and Sami Valimaki, who each ended their rounds with impressive scores of 63. Renowned golfer Jordan Spieth also made waves, concluding his round at 65, while fan-favorite Rickie Fowler opened with a strong 64.
A New Record in Sight
Knapp’s sensational score not only clinched his position at the top but also shattered the previous tournament record of 61, which had been set by Brian Harman back in 2012. With Knapp finishing strong and Horschel right behind him, the stage is set for an exhilarating weekend at the Cognizant Classic.
As the excitement builds, golf fans have much to look forward to in the coming rounds, with the potential for even more drama and surprises, both on and off the course. Golf in Florida is known for its lively atmosphere, and this tournament is no exception!
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Additional Resources
- PGA Tour: Horschel vs Alligator
- NBC Sports: Knapp’s 59
- Golf.com: Cognizant Classic Coverage
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- Action Network: Cognizant Classic Preview
- Google Search: Cognizant Classic 2025
