A massive 10-foot alligator named Fred has become a beloved icon at The Legends Golf Course on Parris Island, attracting golfers, military veterans, and tourists eager to catch a glimpse of the famous reptile. His rise to stardom is thanks in large part to his self-proclaimed “agent,” local golfer Patrick Turso.
Turso first spotted Fred over a decade ago and was immediately struck by his impressive size. “I couldn’t believe how big he was,” Turso said. “I took some pictures, gave him a name, and posted about him on Facebook. Now, everyone wants to know what Fred is up to.”
Since then, Fred has become a course fixture, even inspiring his own line of merchandise in the pro shop, including hats and shirts. Despite his imposing size, Turso reassures visitors that Fred is not aggressive, adding to his appeal. “Fred’s just part of the experience here,” he said.
While Fred enjoys his celebrity status, not all gators at the course share the same fame. When a WJCL crew encountered another large alligator, Turso quipped, “That’s not Fred – that’s Yellow Tail.” With his growing fan base, Fred remains the undisputed king of Parris Island’s greens.
