The Loop

Slow play opponent John Peterson is NOT afraid of alligators

April 26, 2014

Pace of play on the PGA Tour has crawled to a halt of late, but John Peterson seems prepared to do what it takes to help move things along. Even if it requires moving along a gator that's crawled onto a course.

During the second round of the Zurich Classic on Friday, a gator made its way onto the 18th hole at TPC Louisiana and near a bunker where James Driscoll's ball had come to rest. With the reptile not vacating (apparently, he's a big Driscoll guy), Peterson, a Baton Rouge resident and LSU product, calmly grabbed a rake from Driscoll's caddie and pushed the gator back into a lake.

It's funny to note Driscoll, a Boston native, wasn't even in the picture (the other jumpy golfer is Ben Crane) while Peterson performed his heroics. Driscoll did wind up birdieing the hole after hitting his shot with the gator eyeing him from nearby.

Gators are nothing new at TPC Avalon. "Tripod," a three-legged, 12-foot-long gator usually surfaces during the week of the tournament.

As for Peterson, he shot 71 and missed the cut. It's a shame his bravery -- and efforts to combat slow play -- weren't rewarded with a weekend tee time.