The Hole In One Club

A hole in one is a surprising feat that all golfers try to achieve at least once in their life, with most of them failing to achieve it. While a hole in one has a lot to do with skill, it also has to do a lot with luck. For years, golfers try to achieve those lucky shots that only take one swing. If you’re just as fascinated by hole in ones as we are, here is a list of fun facts about hole in ones.

What are the Chances of Making a Hole in One?

Making a hole in one is undoubtedly difficult. In fact, the odds are stacked 3,000 to 1 for a tour player making a hold in one, while the odds of an average player making a hole in one jump to 12,500 to 1. Even more, one player making two holds in one in the same round boasts a 67 million to 1 chance. A hole in one is scored once in every 3,500 rounds, making them particularly hard to come by. However, 128,000 holes in ones are scored each year.

Hole in One Facts: The First Ever

Imagine the community’s surprise when the very first hole in one ever was recorded! The first ace was made by Tom Morris in the 1868 British Open.

What is the Longest Hole in One Ever?

The longest hole in one ever recorded was 517 yards and made by a man named Mike Crean in Denver. The University of Denver real estate professor made the longest drive on the ninth hole of Green Valley Ranch Golf Club near Denver International Airport. This hole in one is recognized by the US Golf Registry as the longest ace ever recorded.

Hole in One on a Par Five

While the majority of hole in ones are made on par 3 holes, which have a shorter distance to the hole, it is possible, but rare, to get a hole in one on a par four or par five. If you do manage to hit an ace on par-5, you’ll get what is known as a condor or a triple eagle! Shaun Lynch achieved a hole in one on a par 5 with a 3-iron in 1995. The distance he needed to cover was 496 yards. Lynch’s golf ball cleared a 20-foot-high hedge before rolling down a slope and into the hole.

Hole in One Facts: Oldest and Youngest Golfers Recorded

While some golfers play for years without shooting a hole in one, others manage to make it at an early age. In fact, the youngest golfer to get a hole in one is Jake Paine, who was just three years old. Paine shot a hole in one, just barely out of diapers, on a 65 yard hole. The oldest player to make a hole in one? Harold Stilson, a 101 year old Boca Raton resident, who shot 108 yard 16th hole at Deerfield Country Club in 2001.

The Most Holes In One

Many golfers go without hitting a hole in one ever in their lifetime. That’s not the case for Norman Manley of California who holds the record for most hole in ones. Manley has shot 59 hole in ones over his lifetime. As for Tiger woods, the most famous golfer of all time, he shot his first hole in one at just six years old.

Which Iron to Use for the Best Chance at a Hole in One

Most hole in ones are made with a 7, 8, or 9 iron, so if you’d like to up your odd of shooting an ace, we recommend tying it with one of these irons.

Record for Most Holes in One on the PGA Tour

The record for most holes in one on the PGA tour is 10, which is shared by Robert Allenby and Hal Sutton. Phil Mickelson has recorded five, while Tiger Woods comes close with 3 all-time holes in ones. Kathy Whitworth holds the record for the most holes in one with 11 on the LPGA tour.

Hole in One Facts about Women

Did you know? According to the National Hole in One Registry, 16% of holes in one are made by women. The average age of women who shoot an ace is 55 and they play for 15 years on average before shooting a hole in one. For women, the average hole length is 111 yards.