Man survives gator attack at golf course

TAMPA PALMS -- A Port St. Lucie man was attacked by a 10- to 12-foot alligator today while trying to retrieve golf balls from a pond at the country club here.

Dwight Monreal, 62, was wading for golf balls in the pond at Tampa Palms Golf and Country Club around 4:30 p.m. when the alligator grabbed his arm and tried to pull him underwater.

His left shoulder was dislocated and his left arm was punctured several times by the gator's teeth, but Monreal managed to free himself and was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital.

Authorities dispatched a trapper to capture the alligator.

--Robbyn Mitchell, Times Staff Writer