A Tennessee man learned the hard way that alligators are a regular part of life of Florida.

Bruce Burger, 50, did not think twice about reaching into a pond at Lake Venice Golf Club to fish for his golf ball. But when he reached into the water a one-eyed, 11-foot alligator latched onto his arm, and pulled him in.

Burger beat the animal with his golf club until it released his arm. In the meantime a fellow golfer went to the main clubhouse to get help. He was not seriously injured.

Janet Pallo, who was playing the fifth hole, said, "I saw him reach down to get his ball and he yelled" [for help].

The golf course posted a "beware of alligator" sign on the sixth hole where Burger was playing.

Golf course manager Rod Perry said, "Unfortunately, that's part of Florida. There's wildlife in these ponds."