In the world of sports, there is nothing so exciting or unexpected as a “hole in one” in the game of golf. A goal in the game of hockey, a home-run in baseball, or a touchdown in football can’t even begin to compare to a hole in one. Professional players can go a lifetime and not even see one up close happen. However, through the media of television and video replays, we can often catch one that happens.
Hole in ones can happen by a well placed shot off a tee. They also can happen by going off a tree, bench, rock, cart, and even a car. Most are very unexpected. A hole in one must come from a tee or tee area on the first shot of the hole.
Players that can drive the ball long have a tremendous advantage over other players. Most hole in ones occur on a three par hole. However, some have come from a short par four hole. Par fives and long par fours are very rare.
For a hole in one to be legit, there must be at least one witness to the shot. However, the more you have the better. Many amateurs will have their hole in ones mentioned in the local paper. If a video is available, they are often loaned out to local television stations to be shown on the sports program.
Evey once in a while someone will host a hole one tournament. Prizes range from a car to up to 4 million dollars. The thing is that even with a tournament, it may never happen.
It has been calculated that an average golfer has a 1 in 12,500 chance of a hole in one. A professionals chances is 1 in 2,500.
According to the United States Golf Register, here are some interesting facts about “hole in ones.”
The oldest player to record a hole in one is 101 year old Harold Stilson of Boca Raton, Florida. Using a 4 iron, he hit a 108 yard on the 16th hole at Deerfield CC on May 16, 2001.
The two longest hole in ones were hit at distances of 517 yards and 447 yards. Michael Crean of Denver, Colorado hit his 517 on July 4, 2002 on the 9th hole at Green Valley Ranch Club. It was a par 5. Robert Mitera hit his 447 on October 7, 1965. It was hit at the 10th hole at Miracle Hills CG.
The most hole in ones is an incredible 5 “Aces” by Norman Manley. His first was in 1964. In 1979, he hit four.
If you make a hole in one, you should register it with State and Local registers. You can register it with the United States golf register. Keep in mind that there are certain requirements, when you register your shot, that must be followed for it to be allowed.
sources; Us Golf Register
