Golfer Henrik Stenson pokes a crocodile on Rio Olympic Golf Course

Henrik Stenson of Sweden reacts to putt during second round of the men's golf event at the Rio Olympics. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

Swedish golfer Henrik Stenson knows how to handle a wedge even when he’s using one to poke a crocodile.

Walking along the edge of the water on the par-5 10th hole at Rio’s Olympic Golf Course, Stenson spotted a caiman -- a small crocodile --and reached over to poke it with the end of his golf club.

He wound up making birdie after the encounter.

Gold Digest reports Stenson had an explanation for using a wedge.

“A little tickle with a lob wedge. I thought it could handle that, if it would have been twice the size, then you probably need to go into the longer irons,” Stenson said after his round. “He wasn’t too big. He was facing the right way for me.”

On Friday, Canadian golfer David Hearn received a warning about lingering too long over a shot near the water.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.