If you’ve watched any of the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches this week, it’s more likely than not you’ve seen dozens of birds roaming the grounds at PGA National.
They look like ducks, but then again they don’t. So what are they?
They’re Egyptian geese, and while they may seem innocent enough, they are known to attack alligators from time to time. And they’re a fixture at the Cognizant Classic as much as the fans and golfers are during tournament week.
Think they’re too cute to go after golfers? Look at this photo from 2017, when European Ryder Cup captain (and TV analyst this week) Luke Donald was running for his life.
Luke Donald is chased by an Egyptian goose on the fairway of the sixth hole during the second round of The Honda Classic at PGA National (Champion). Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Not so cute now, are they?
Nevertheless, here’s a look at photos of Egyptian geese through the years at the Cognizant (formerly Honda) Classic.
2024 Cognizant Classic
General view of Geese walking on the course prior to The Cognizant Classic in The Palm…
General view of Geese walking on the course prior to The Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches at PGA National Resort And Spa on February 28, 2024 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
2024 Cognizant Classic
Egyptian geese stroll on the eighth fairway as Chris Kirk waits to his his approach shot…
Egyptian geese stroll on the eighth fairway as Chris Kirk waits to his his approach shot during the final round of the Honda Classic at PGA National Resort & Spa on Sunday, February 26, 2023, in Palm Beach Gardens, FL.
2024 Cognizant Classic
Egyptian geese patrol the fairway on the eighth hole during the opening round of The Cognizant…
Egyptian geese patrol the fairway on the eighth hole during the opening round of The Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches at PGA National Resort & Spa on Thursday, February 29, 2024, in Palm Beach Gardens, FL.
2024 Cognizant Classic
Fans watch the action on the 4th green as a pair of Egyptian geese peck at…
Fans watch the action on the 4th green as a pair of Egyptian geese peck at the vegetation at the during the first round of the Honda Classic at PGA National Resort & Spa on Thursday, February 23, 2023, in Palm Beach Gardens, FL.
2024 Cognizant Classic
General view of Geese walking on the course prior to The Cognizant Classic in The Palm…
General view of Geese walking on the course prior to The Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches at PGA National Resort And Spa on February 28, 2024 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
The Honda Classic
An Egyptian goose walks on the forward tee box on the 4th hole as Matt Jones…
An Egyptian goose walks on the forward tee box on the 4th hole as Matt Jones (R) and J.B. Holmes walk down the fairway during the final round of The Honda Classic golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports