Before taking on this job, Jim was a certified scuba diver and worked in various fields, primarily in engineering and the automotive industry. His interest in becoming a golf ball retriever grew over time, and he decided to pursue it full-time in the early 2000s.

His unusual job made him discover some of the world’s best golf courses like the Innisbrook Golf Resort, which features the Copperhead Course, and the TPC Sawgrass, which’s 17th hole is known as the “island Green”. While searching in these waters, he found golf balls hit by Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Phil Mickelson, and even a ball marked with President Trump’s name.

While in the water, Jim encountered many dangerous animals. Notably, alligators, which he fought many times. “A few years ago, there were an 11-foot and a nine-foot alligator around the green where I was diving. I worked as long as I felt OK and they were staying at bay—if they got too curious, I got out,” said the scuba diver.

This proves that even if scuba diving is already a dangerous sport, Jim Best is bringing it to a whole new level, to the point where he was bitten by one of the baby gators. “I was also bitten on the ankle once. I was 18 [feet] under when he grabbed me.” Fortunately, he recovered fast and was able to get back to his daily job after a few days at the hospital. At the end of the day, Jim Best enjoys his work, despite the high risks involved in this sport.