ST. PETERSBURG, FL – A routine round of golf at the St. Petersburg Country Club took an unforgettable turn when a massive alligator, locally known as “Gary,” casually strolled across the greens, halting play entirely.
“Nobody Is Playing Hole 7”
The encounter was captured on video by a golfer and his son who were waiting in their cart. As the oversized reptile made its way across the grass near the seventh hole, the golfer joked, “Nobody is playing hole 7 right now,” adding, “That is a big boy.”
The clip quickly went viral online, prompting the St. Petersburg Country Club to officially identify the local celebrity. “This is Gary the Gator, he has a fan base here,” the club shared, noting that the massive animal is a familiar sight for regular members.
Routine Wildlife Encounters
While the footage amused millions online, local experts note that such sightings highlight how closely human development overlaps with native wildlife habitats in Florida. Golf courses, with their retention ponds, open grassy banks, and water hazards, closely mimic the natural wetlands that alligators have inhabited for generations.
Management at the course emphasized that Gary was not behaving aggressively and was simply migrating from one pond to another.
Important Safety Reminders
Despite Gary’s calm demeanor, wildlife officials urge the public to maintain a safe distance from large alligators. Florida authorities remind residents and visitors:
- Never approach or corner a wild alligator for photos or videos.
- Keep pets and small children well away from the water’s edge on golf courses and neighborhoods.
- Never feed alligators, as it causes them to lose their natural fear of humans.
Gary eventually cleared the area, allowing golfers to safely resume their games on the back nine.
