Two Gators Battle In 18th Fairway Of S.C. Course

When you’re playing golf in the South, it’s not uncommon to come across some ferocious animals just off the fairway, but when you find two alligators locked in a death match, it’s probably best to keep your distance.

That’s exactly what Matthew Proffitt and his friends encountered after a day on the links at The Golf Club at Hilton Head Lakes in Hardeeville, South Carolina, about 30 miles from where the PGA Tour will tee it up at Harbour Town Golf Links in a few weeks.

Proffitt’s group was finishing up their round when they came across two gators, jaws locked in a fight on the 18th fairway on May 20. The gator on top had his jaws locked on the other gator’s face, while the bottom gator had hold of the top gator’s front leg.


“They would lay still for a few minutes, with their jaws locked on each other, and then try to roll or shake,” Proffitt told Fox 35 Orlando. “The fight went on for about two hours.”

The Golf Club at Hilton Head Lakes shared the video on their Facebook page, and it has garnered nearly 800,000 views and more than 12,000 shares since it was posted five days ago. 

“Sudden death playoff on the 18 yesterday! Keep your eyes open out there, the course is full of wildlife!” the course captioned the 15-second video.

The course, a Tommy Fazio design, stretches out to 7,300 yards and a par of 72