By David DiBenedetto

I’m often told by those who don’t live in the South that golf courses are prime places to train a gun dog. I laugh and tell them golf courses are a good place to watch your dog get eaten by a 'gator. For the most part, they don’t get it. Our ponds in South Carolina are loaded with large alligators—and even some of our tidal creeks.

Want proof? Just yesterday an Ohio man was golfing at the Fripp Island Resort, a beach community in coastal South Carolina, when he was attacked by a 10-foot gator. He had reached down to pick up his ball from the edge of a pond when the alligator lunged for him. The big lizard then took him under water in what has been described as “a series of death rolls” until the man’s arm was severed below the elbow.

The golfer’s buddies rushed him to a hospital. Before long the offending gator was killed, and the man’s arm removed from its stomach. The condition of the golfer was unknown this morning.

I’ve walked this golf course before. In fact, I often visit Fripp Island with Pritchard. (Her namesake island neighbors Fripp.) But I NEVER let her venture near ponds or creeks. (The above alligator photo was taken on Fripp Island in August.) And I would never think of training her in any water on the island. She would be nothing more than a snack for a 10-foot gator. I have nightmares about such things…now I’m glad I don’t play golf.

Keep your dogs safe, folks. Always know where you’re sending them for a retrieve.

Comments (10)

from kelmitch wrote 2 years 32 weeks ago

I have been to South Caralina once fished but still have never seen a gator.We have taken bear here in the northern zone while deer hunting.My buddy had one come all the way to him shot at 5ft.when we were on watch. I have had coyotes come all the way to me while deer hunting one that was at 10ft. that didnt go on hunting but turned his body posture toward me and opened the mouth.That was enough for me to take him.He was bigger than my 55lb.Springer at the time Jake.

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from Dave DiBenedetto wrote 2 years 32 weeks ago

kelmitch- A big coyote that close would probably give me the shivers, too. Next time you're in SC let me know and I'll show you some big 'gators--but we'll leave the dogs at home.

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from CaptChuck57 wrote 2 years 32 weeks ago

Another good reason solid training and obedience is important. A dog that breaks on the shot before being told could end up a tasty snack for a gator.

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from kelmitch wrote 2 years 32 weeks ago

I am an avid bow hunter with many years of belonging to clubs shooting the Vegas indoors and 3-D tournaments with some trophies in the field and out.I like up close and personal but not too close for comfort.Leaving the dogs home sounds good.

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from kelmitch wrote 2 years 32 weeks ago

I gave a little yell first but that changed his body posture.

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from pinopolis wrote 2 years 32 weeks ago

i guess that's what golfer's call a water hazard. seriously, though, i'm with you... can never be too cautious when it comes to gators. or snakes, for that matter—i've heard some nasty stories about dogs getting bit in the woods.

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from seadog wrote 2 years 32 weeks ago

I'd sure like to get the contract to remove the "nuisance" alligators from the golf course. I don't know how SC law deals with gators, but if they'll put me up in a nice hotel and let me keep the meat & hides, I'm ready to take care of business.

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from sgaredneck wrote 2 years 32 weeks ago

"No, don't remove the alligators from their habitat!"

I can hear the anti's screaming now. Dave, a similar thing happened to an elderly woman at a golf/gated community a couple of years ago in Savannah.

I know of a couple of courses around here that haven't waited for the gators to become a problem. Problems require lots of paperwork in triplicate. Or worse.
A persons life vs. a gator's? No question. My dogs are priceless to me. No question there either.

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from jmiles wrote 2 years 32 weeks ago

Over the years I have seen 1 alligator in Ashepoo and one in the Edisto Rivers of SC swiming down the river with full grown walker houds in there mouth. Didnt have a camera the first time but did the second time. If I can find the photo I will post it if I can figure uot how. Also, Had one take to take a nice 8 pt bow shot away from me. I won though! :-)

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from muskiemaster wrote 2 years 32 weeks ago

I always do have a fear in the pit of my stomach if we were grouse hunting and my pup got to far away from me and didn't listen and a pack of wolves came upon her.

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from jmiles wrote 2 years 32 weeks ago

Over the years I have seen 1 alligator in Ashepoo and one in the Edisto Rivers of SC swiming down the river with full grown walker houds in there mouth. Didnt have a camera the first time but did the second time. If I can find the photo I will post it if I can figure uot how. Also, Had one take to take a nice 8 pt bow shot away from me. I won though! :-)

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from kelmitch wrote 2 years 32 weeks ago

I have been to South Caralina once fished but still have never seen a gator.We have taken bear here in the northern zone while deer hunting.My buddy had one come all the way to him shot at 5ft.when we were on watch. I have had coyotes come all the way to me while deer hunting one that was at 10ft. that didnt go on hunting but turned his body posture toward me and opened the mouth.That was enough for me to take him.He was bigger than my 55lb.Springer at the time Jake.

+1 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from Dave DiBenedetto wrote 2 years 32 weeks ago

kelmitch- A big coyote that close would probably give me the shivers, too. Next time you're in SC let me know and I'll show you some big 'gators--but we'll leave the dogs at home.

+1 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from CaptChuck57 wrote 2 years 32 weeks ago

Another good reason solid training and obedience is important. A dog that breaks on the shot before being told could end up a tasty snack for a gator.

+1 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from kelmitch wrote 2 years 32 weeks ago

I am an avid bow hunter with many years of belonging to clubs shooting the Vegas indoors and 3-D tournaments with some trophies in the field and out.I like up close and personal but not too close for comfort.Leaving the dogs home sounds good.

+1 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from kelmitch wrote 2 years 32 weeks ago

I gave a little yell first but that changed his body posture.

+1 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from pinopolis wrote 2 years 32 weeks ago

i guess that's what golfer's call a water hazard. seriously, though, i'm with you... can never be too cautious when it comes to gators. or snakes, for that matter—i've heard some nasty stories about dogs getting bit in the woods.

+1 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from seadog wrote 2 years 32 weeks ago

I'd sure like to get the contract to remove the "nuisance" alligators from the golf course. I don't know how SC law deals with gators, but if they'll put me up in a nice hotel and let me keep the meat & hides, I'm ready to take care of business.

+1 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from sgaredneck wrote 2 years 32 weeks ago

"No, don't remove the alligators from their habitat!"

I can hear the anti's screaming now. Dave, a similar thing happened to an elderly woman at a golf/gated community a couple of years ago in Savannah.

I know of a couple of courses around here that haven't waited for the gators to become a problem. Problems require lots of paperwork in triplicate. Or worse.
A persons life vs. a gator's? No question. My dogs are priceless to me. No question there either.

+1 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

from muskiemaster wrote 2 years 32 weeks ago

I always do have a fear in the pit of my stomach if we were grouse hunting and my pup got to far away from me and didn't listen and a pack of wolves came upon her.

+1 Good Comment? Yes | No | Report

Post a Comment

 

All submitted comments are subject to the rules set forth in our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.