For a second tournament in succession, and also not for a first time this year, stars of the PGA Tour will not only be dealing with another tough championship layout but also the presence of alligators.

This week’s TPC Avondale course is located about a 20-minute drive from the heart of New Orleans and across the mighty Mississippi River to suburban Westwego.

However while there was a few alligators about the RBC Heritage Course at Hilton Head it was apparent that there is a lot more of their snappy cousins lurking about the water hazards here in New Orleans.

This year’s event boasts a first prize cheque of $US 6.8m and with major sponsor, Zurich announcing on the eve of the event that they have signed on for another five years.

However here’s a few snaps to remind you not to go sticking you hand in any water hazard after an errant tee shot.

* Click on photographs to enlarge.

An alligator sunning itself along the right side of the 18th fairway.

An alligator lying close to the hazard line at the 18th.

Lurking near the bank these baby gators will surely take a nip.