Golf Canada Hole-In-One Report – Week of October 21, 2024
Each week we write to Golf Canada members who record a hole-in-one, congratulating them and asking if they’d tell us how it happened. These are their stories (edited for length and clarity).
Have you recently accomplished the feat of a hole-in-one? Tell us about it! Share your story, picture / video and course information with us at holeinone@golfcanada.ca.
Shaun Denholm, Cornwall Golf and Country Club, Hole #18
I was playing with Kibby Lutz, Tilton Donahee and Andre Poirier. It happened on hole #18 at Cornwall Golf and Country Club, a 135 yard, par 3 with a 7 iron. Pitched on front of green and rolled 12 feet into the hole.
Kelly Bleau, Storey Creek Golf Club, Hole #13
My first ever hole-in-one at Storey Creek Golf Course. Hole #13 from about 108 yards out and I used an 8 iron. I was playing with Shelly Boates and Laurel Scott. As the ball hit the fringe of the green and started to roll toward the pin we started yelling for it to go in, and it did, prompting a fair amount of celebration on the tee box!
Jacob Robinson, Sturgeon Valley Golf & Country Club, Hole #12
I was playing in the final of our season long match with my partner Stu Murphy. It was on hole #12 from 169 yards. I hit an 8 iron and was lucky enough to see it one hop into the hole.
Anthony Squarciotta, Scarlett Woods Golf Club, Hole #5
It was truly an astonishing day. Played 36 holes that day. My first 18 holes was at Don Valley, finished around 1:20 pm and decided to check the tee sheet at Scarlett Woods (haven’t played any city courses up to this point, other than Dentonia). I got the 2:40 pm tee time and headed on down to Scarlett Woods. Joined as a single, played with three others. Walking up to the fifth, the wind was pretty calm. 97 yards to the pin from the back tees, hit a perfect 58 degree wedge, one hopped, side spin and the ball disappeared. A lot of disbelief but it was amazing. My group were mostly beginners so they thought they had to buy me drinks, sadly I had to treat!
Paul Leslie, Cordova Bay Golf Course, Hole #4
Hole #4 at Cordova Bay Golf Course is a moderately downhill par 3. On this day it was playing 176 yards to a pin cut in the centre right side of the green. I hit a 5 iron well but not pure directly at the pin. It took two hops on the front of the green and tracked directly into the hole. I saw the ball disappear but refused to believe it was in the hole until I confirmed it was in the bottom of the cup. I’m only a tiny bit superstitious but what a day to score my first hole-in-one! My playing parters on the day were Lindsay Hall and Owen Taylor.
Bilal Haffejee, Lake Joseph Golf Club, Hole #15
Hole #15, scoped at 176 yards and used a 6 iron. Played with and witnessed by Paul Laverne and Bob Mongia.
Chris Wheaton, Memramcook (Parc de la Vallee de), Hole #17
I was golfing with my 13-year-old son Liam. It was on hole #17 at the Memramcook Valley Golf Course. I hit an 8 iron from 165 yards, a slight draw that slammed into the hole on the second bounce. Liam was so excited that he sprinted to the green to make sure it was in the hole! What made it even cooler is that it helped me play my best round of the year, a two under 70. It was also the first time this year I beat Liam, who shot 72. Super special moment to have him witness it.
Matthew Abrahams, Bayview Golf & Country Club, Hole #12
The hole was 204 yards and I used a 5 iron. I was playing with my dad and Riley O’Brien. The crazy coincidence is that my dad, who has been playing golf for 30+ years, got his first hole-in-one a few months ago on the same hole!
Jess Murray, CFB Borden Golf Club, Hole #11
I was playing as part of the LPGA Amateur – Barrie Chapter league. This round was our final round of the season, so it was well timed to get a hole-in-one and with a great group of women. Hole #11 at Borden was playing about 134 yards from the red tees and I played my Titliest 8 iron. While we thought the ball went in the hole, we weren’t sure until we walked up (it was very sunny). I had a few spectators, including a group of men that came over from the 14th green, which was fun. We had peach schnapps to celebrate (not my drink of choice but Kim my playing partner had some, so thanks Kim!)
Fraser MacKenzie, Islington Golf Club, Hole #10
My first hole-in-one was on hole #10 at Islington Golf Club which just so happens to be the club I work at as an assistant professional! I was playing with my best friend who moved to Florida about two years ago to become a commercial pilot. We grew up playing golf together which made this moment even more special. Hole #10 at Islington, in my opinion, is one of the best par three’s in the Greater Toronto Area. It was playing 225 yards which is a perfect number for my 4 iron, sure enough it was the perfect shot and ended up dropping in the cup with my boss on the patio hearing the whole thing. Very surreal experience and a moment I will remember forever!
Golf Canada Hole-In-One Report – Week of October 14, 2024
Each week we write to Golf Canada members who record a hole-in-one, congratulating them and asking if they’d tell us how it happened. These are their stories (edited for length and clarity).
Have you recently accomplished the feat of a hole-in-one? Tell us about it! Share your story, picture / video and course information with us at holeinone@golfcanada.ca.
Karen Storwick, The Glencoe Golf & Country Club, Hole #6
My hole-in-one was on the sixth hole, Bridges course, it was 60 yards and I used a utility club. I was playing with my husband, Jason Magnan, and another couple, “The Smiths”.
Bruce Knight, Camelot Golf & Country Club, Hole #17
135 yards and used a 9 iron. Pin was in the swell so I hit it past and it backed into the hole. The unfortunate thing was I was the first tee time. So there was no one in the clubhouse to enjoy my beer with. The tab remained open after I left.
Bernie Haines, St. Catharines Golf & Country Club, Hole #4
150 yards and used a 7 iron. Pin was in the front right corner. Base of the pin blocked by a small mount in front of the green. We knew it was close, but never seen it actually roll into the hole. As we approach the green Janet and I did not see the ball. My immediate thought was that I went long into the bunker on the left side of the green. Janet then pointed out a ball mark on the green just in front of the pin. I walked over to the hole and notice my ball in the hole with my capital “h” marking. It was my fifth hole-in-one. I’ve had an Albatross back in the 90’s at a different course. Group was Shane Davis, Janet Laus and Celine Parent.
I would like to mention that St. Catharine’s Golf and Country Club are very good at recognizing their members who get a hole-in-one. You are invited to their year end banquet and awards night and presented with an award. Very classy.
Ken Robertson, Prince George Golf Club, Hole #10
I was playing with a random couple that had room in their group. I used an 8 iron from 159 yards.
Rob Davis, Cardinal Lakes Golf Club, Hole #16
I was playing in the Niagara area pro-am at Cardinal Lakes. My pro was Chuck Gates from Willodell Golf Club of Niagara and my other playing partners were Frank Girhiny and John Juhlke. I got the hole-in-one on hole #16, a par 3 playing 148 yards and I hit an 8 iron.
Todd Pearson, Greyhawk Golf Club, Hole #7
It was 161 yards slight uphill to a back pin. My Callaway Apex MB 7 iron is my 165 club. I backed it up two club lengths on the tee box to take going over the green out of play. The way the pin was sitting, uphill and in the shadow, I couldn’t be sure it went in but I figured it was close. As we approached the green and couldn’t see the ball on the surface, I said to Glenn, “I’m pretty sure it’s in as the back of the green should be un reachable from where I hit from. It all depends on the pitch mark. If it’s hole high, then I’m over, but if it’s ten 10 feet short, then it’s in.” It was 10 feet short, I went to the hole and snapped a picture!
Mike MacMillan, Upper Canada Golf Course, Hole #7
I was playing with Dale Swerdfeger and Jim Brown, both members at Upper Canada golf course. The hole was a 184 yard, par 3 and I used my Callaway #3 Heavenwood. I witnessed Dale’s hole-in-one on the same hole a year previously.
Bill Macarthur, Fairwinds Golf Course, Hole #2
I have been a member of Fairwinds Golf course for a number of years and every Sunday (weather permitting, a hearty group of guys), “the cockroaches” as we are known by play, some friendly competition. I was joined by two fellow golfers, we were on the second hole, a 176 yard, par 3. It was playing shorter than this yardage as the tee was at the front of the box to a red flag, for a 154 yard distance, I chose a 7 iron. I hit the shot, it hit in front of the green and bounced on to the collar and slowly trickled towards the hole with me giving the narrative, “its going, going, it’s in hole!” I personally feel that Fairwinds greens are playing better right now than they have in many years, thanks to their new greens keeper Ken. I’ve been blessed with a few aces in my golf experience but you know that feeling you get never gets old!
Nolan Searles, The Pulpit Club, Hole #16
I was playing with my dad, the distance was about 150 yards and I hit a 9 iron with wind blowing behind and off the right, the pin was in the bowl so I didn’t see it drop and didn’t know it was in the hole until I was by the green. The hole landed at the back of the bowl and started rolling back.
Anthony Domenici, Port Carling Golf & Country Club, Hole #6
It is very exciting. It’s my first hole-in-one. Seems like I am the last of the group. Some have two or three. I was playing with Dr. Louis Roddy, Murray Silverberg and Kent Rennie. These guys are real gentlemen. Yardage was 149 and club was a 7 iron. Weather was freezing cold so I was wearing my down pull over.
Golf Canada Hole-In-One Report – Week of October 7, 2024
Each week we write to Golf Canada members who record a hole-in-one, congratulating them and asking if they’d tell us how it happened. These are their stories (edited for length and clarity).
Have you recently accomplished the feat of a hole-in-one? Tell us about it! Share your story, picture / video and course information with us at holeinone@golfcanada.ca.
Anthony Menecola, Glen Abbey Golf Club, Hole #15
An incredible moment from my recent round of golf with my colleagues. During our game, I hit a hole-in-one! It was such an exhilarating experience, especially with my foursome there to witness it.
The shot came on the par 3, hole #15 where I chose to use my 8 iron. I couldn’t believe it when the ball landed just a few feet from the pin and rolled right in. The cheers from my friends made it even more memorable!
We had a fantastic time overall, and this moment definitely topped the day.
Brayden Otto, Willow Park Golf & Country Club, Hole #15
It was definitely an awesome experience! Unbelievably, that was my second hole-in-one of my life and they were both on hole #15 at Willow Park Golf & Country club. I was playing with my brother Markus Otto. The yardage was 145 and I used a 9 iron.
Dave Champion-Taylor, Windsor Park Golf Course, Hole #6
It was on the sixth hole where the tee box is actually off a mat! I was golfing with two workmates that morning before work. Neil Teitsma and Travis Kondratuk witnessed me hit it pretty thin with my pitching wedge off that carpet. I was using a yellow TaylorMade ball and while it was in the air Neil said, “That’s a good shot!” When it landed it hit pretty hard off the lip of the green moving pretty quick from left to right. When it started rolling we knew it had a chance and sure enough, “plunk!” The hole was playing 137 yards that day and I happened to have forgotten my golf shoes so I was playing in flip flops! I had also decided that day I was only going to use a 5 iron, pitching wedge and a putter which I mostly stuck to besides trying Travis’ new driver a couple of times. In the end, a pretty great day and ended up shooting 77 on this relatively easy and short course. To top it off, that day was my 27th wedding anniversary, what a day! I went in the pro shop at Windsor after the round and told the guys at the counter and they gave me a little bag tag/medal thing to remember the occasion.
Richard Losier, Fox Creek Golf Club, Hole #2
I was playing with two friends Dan Fougère and Michel Allain. The yardage was 150 yards. I used my 8 iron.
Joanne Shinwell, Bear Mountain Golf Course, Hole #14
After over 20 years of golfing I finally got a hole-in-one on hole #14 of Bear Mountain – Valley course. I was with my two golf mates from Cedar Brae Golf Course in Toronto, Katherine Dilk and Elaine Houghton. We played the forward tees and the flag was approximately 70 yards away. I used a sand wedge off the tee. The ball took one bounce over the bunker and in the hole.
Ryan Bennett, Country Hills Golf Club, Hole #10
160 yards. 9 iron. Landed it about five feet behind the hole and rolled it back for the ace. It was my first one so I was ecstatic. You can see the divot in the photo. In the group was Aaron Lane (Country Hills member), Stacey Barnes and Kaila Lewis. Aaron signed the score card and authenticated my hole-in-one.
Doug Bunting, Baxter Creek Golf Club, Hole #4
I was playing with my better ball partner, Steve Van Dyk along with Eric Henderson and his partner Dean Weber. The yardage was 162 uphill into the wind, flushed a nice two yard draw 7 iron and it was tracking the entire way and disappeared into the front of the cup! This is my fourth hole-in-one in my life and the feeling never gets old.
David Ma, Silver Lakes Golf & Country Club, Hole #7
I played with my brother-in-law Ricky Mehra, a friend Vito Sorrento and Peter Sorrento. It was the seventh hole and I lasered the yardage at 157. I used my 7 iron and when I struck it, I initially thought it was going a little right. When I looked up, it was dead straight at the pin. No draw, no fade. It landed about 10 feet short and disappeared into the hole. It was a perfect fall afternoon and this just made my day. We celebrated again at the halfway house with some drinks for my guys.
James Elding, Edmonton Petroleum Golf & Country Club, Hole #8
I was playing with three other members of the club. The yardage was 172 and I used my 7 iron. I am a left handed golfer. The pin was front right tucked behind a green side bunker. This means I needed to draw the ball left to right to avoid the sand bunker. I had a pure strike high sweeping draw. The ball landed five feet from the hole and rolled in. What was particularly exciting is that I had an albatross the round before, so the hole-in-one was a nice way to cap off the year.
Catherine Chadsey, Princeton Golf Club, Hole #11
I was last up on our group foursome. We play together each Monday and Friday and have, (with the exception of Brian Burkholder, new to our group this season), for the past five years. Hole #11 is a beautiful elevated 139 yard, par 3. Looking down to the green and watching the forward flag to determine what the wind may do, as it always seems to be a factor, I decided to use my 3 wood. My ball carried to about a yard on front of the green and rolled, moving to the right and following the break, fell into the hole. What a thrill and more so as I was playing with the boys, Dale, my husband, Rae Langille and Brian Burkholder all cheered and congratulated me. Lots to talk about in the clubhouse restaurant over pizza and beers when we finished.
Jayson Sunga, Piper’s Heath Golf Club, Hole #16
Shot was 134 yards, front pin and used a pitching wedge. Played with a Piper’s Heath member, Ron Silvano, his wife and another good friend.
Golf Canada Hole-In-One Report – Week of September 30, 2024
Each week we write to Golf Canada members who record a hole-in-one, congratulating them and asking if they’d tell us how it happened. These are their stories (edited for length and clarity).
Have you recently accomplished the feat of a hole-in-one? Tell us about it! Share your story, picture / video and course information with us at holeinone@golfcanada.ca.
Graham Robertson, Cobble Beach Golf Links, Hole #14
My first hole-in-one! A five-iron, on the 172 yard, 14th hole at Cobble Beach. I knew it was a good shot but never saw it go in as it’s a blind shot, up hill over a bunker. As I got up to the green, there was a ball three feet from the flag. I assumed it was mine. I even joked about it being a gimme, but as I got closer to the ball, I saw it was a different ball, not mine. I then assumed I must have hit long so I started to look in the rough behind the hole. One of the guys said, “did you check the hole?” I looked in the hole and there was my beautiful golf ball at the bottom of the cup. After playing golf since 1977, this is my first ever! A surreal feeling, more stunned silent than celebrating like crazy. Wow.
Alana MacLeod, Digby Pines, Hole #2
I made the mistake of not taking the ball out of play and lost it in the woods on the fourth hole. When I played the next day, I found the sacred ball. It’s ready for a display case now. What a joyful exciting experience. I have golfed for 25 years and this is my first hole-in-one.
Janet Laus, St. Catharines Golf & Country Club, Hole #7
Was playing with Shane Davis and Ford Lake. The yardage was 110 and I used a Callaway 7 club.
Ron Kimmel, Blue Mountain Golf & Country Club, Hole #14
The most amazing thing is that my wife, Elaine, had a hole-in-one on the same hole earlier in the season in May. What are the odds, a husband and wife both having a hole in one on the same hole in the same season!
Peter MacLachlan, Willows Golf & Country Club, Hole #15
Bridges course, hole #6, 175 yards, 7 iron straight into the cup. Player partners, left to right in the picture were Kevin Eggum, Kevin Carswell, myself and Dean Proski.
Connor Raedeke, McKenzie Meadows Golf Club, Hole #15
I was playing with my buddies Bobby, Justen and Kyle at McKenzie Meadows. A course I’ve played many times. Nice little twilight round. The hole was playing 194 yards, a tad down wind. Hit a 7 iron that I thought was going to be just at the front of the green to a middle pin. I didn’t think it had a chance to get all the way to the pin but it was straight at it. I was last to walk up to the green thinking where is my ball. Bobby went and checked the cup and we all went wild. A few beverages followed after the round.
Lyndsey Teschke, RiverEdge Golf Club, Hole #4
It was quite a shocker when the ball disappeared. I didn’t believe it until I saw the ball in the cup. I was playing with my friends Sharon Owen and Caren Maurer (we play in the ladies league at RiverEdge). It was 110 yards and I hit my 7 iron. It was a tougher pin placement and the ball landed on the green on top of the hill and rolled towards the pin and disappeared! I actually had a shadow box made with the ball and scorecard too.
Owen Turner, Green Gables Golf Club, Hole #8
I went out after work with a few buddies, Mike and Sahib. It was a beautiful evening round with no wind. I decided to play from the white tees with them and on hole #8 I chose my trusty Gap wedge from about 130 yards to a front middle pin. I saw it tracking towards the hole and I knew it was close. As we drove up towards the green, I saw the ball pinned between the pin and the cup for my first career ace! The adrenaline was rushing throughout my body and I laid down on the green for a brief moment to take it all in. It was a phenomenal day as it was my first ever hole-in-one.
Kevin Meagher, Orchard Beach Golf & Country Club, Hole #4
The distance from the white tee to pin on that day was about 162 yards and I hit a 7 iron. My group consisted of Mike Morris, Wally Beck and Rick Hyle.
Kerry Quail, Victoria Park East Golf Club, Hole #15
My fifth lifetime hole-in-one. 6 iron from 167 yards and played with Craig Walker, Derek Brown and Douglas Blair.
Golf Canada Hole-In-One Report – Week of September 23, 2024
Each week we write to Golf Canada members who record a hole-in-one, congratulating them and asking if they’d tell us how it happened. These are their stories (edited for length and clarity).
Have you recently accomplished the feat of a hole-in-one? Tell us about it! Share your story, picture / video and course information with us at holeinone@golfcanada.ca.
Kim Ta, Fraserview Golf Course, Hole #16
Perfect shot with great trajectory. Landed nicely in the of the green, bounced forward and tracked perfectly for the pin!
Ryan Lawrence, Tower Ranch Golf & Country Club, Hole #14
My first hole-in-one occurred on a beautiful evening on Monday, September 23rd at Tower Ranch Golf Club in Kelowna, B.C., on the signature 14th hole, par 3, playing 203 yards adjusted. The blue tees were paired with the tips that day and the flag was at the middle-back of the green. I used a 5 iron and hit a high-draw and it landed pin high on the green about 13 feet left of the hole and steadily rolled in for the ace. The feeling was pure bliss. My playing partners were Nathan Draper, Kendall Draper and James Behnke.
“I was in the group in front of him and just to let you know how difficult that shot was. Very strong wind into the face and a huge drop in elevation. Just to be on the green was an amazing shot.” – Facebook Comment from Ryan’s post for Tower Ranch Golf & Country Club
André Couet, Club de Golf Algonquin, Hole #2
Wow, this was my first-ever hole in one! It happened on a regular Tuesday skins day at our club while I was playing with my usual partners, Luc Laframboise, Steve Proulx and Dave Beresford.
We were on the second hole, a straight forward par 3 that measures 129 yards with a blue pin placement. The green is small and pretty narrow, and I very often pull the ball left into the sand. Interestingly, I witnessed my partner Steve make a hole-in-one on this same hole last year (on a red pin), and I do believe I was more excited than he was when it happened. Having done it myself, I completely understand his reaction.
Now for some reason on that day, I approached the hole differently. Instead of hitting a full wedge, I choked up on a 9 iron and aimed straight at the pin. I struck the ball well, and we all watched as it flew directly toward the pin, bounced once, and rolled so gently into the hole. I couldn’t believe my eyes, and my heart skipped a few beats before I was able to catch my breath! My partners were jumping for joy, and to my surprise, the previous owner of the club, who lives right by the hole, ran out in his robe, cheering and celebrating as he had witnessed this as well from his kitchen table overlooking this hole.
It was an unforgettable moment, and yes, I won a skin on that hole!
Arden Kidd, Musqueam Golf Course, Hole #17
It was a first for me after taking up the sport on retirement 22 years ago. Our club captain, Diane McNeely kindly put together a collage of the event.
On the day, it was quite a surprise to watch that yellow ball disappear over the rise in front of the 17th green, then reappear and roll right up the green and into the cup! From the blue tees it was about 135 yards and I used my trusty driver, a TaylorMade Burner.
I took up golf later in life after giving up skiing and later tennis and I find golf much easier on the body. For the first few years I took lessons and enjoyed learning about club choice and the satisfaction of achieving some success.
What I love about the game is being outdoors on the fairways with the good company of my ladies club members, and of course enjoying occasional success. I also enjoy being greeted by the friendly staff and volunteers of our club. I’d certainly recommend the game to anyone, to join a club and to get involved in its activities remains something to look forward to for many years. Though my scores reach new highs these days, I hope to keep golfing as long as I’m able.
Peter Bartus, St. Catharines Golf & Country Club, Hole #4
I was playing with two of my good friends John Vander Hoeven and Eric Woodland on a beautiful afternoon when I got my hole-in-one. The fourth hole at St. Catharines Golf and Country Club was playing 196 yards from the back tees that day. I hit a great 6 iron off the tee and watched it land on the green. Thinking I’d have a putt for birdie I picked up my tee and put my club away. My friends were saying they couldn’t see the ball and thought it went in. I wasn’t as optimistic but sure enough when we got up to the green the ball was in the hole!
Howard Herman, Silver Creek Golf Course, Hole #8
I played a round with three young men (who each had a caddy, due to a lost bet). I had a fantastic round and a great day with the boys. Hole #8 on the North course is a par 3, playing 116 yards. I chose my pitching wedge and hit a clean shot at the flag. The ball landed about 14 inches from the hole and slowly rolled in. This hole is an elevated tee, over a pond, so I was able to see the ball drop. My first after nearly 60 years of playing.
Richard Grimes, The Oaks of St. George Golf Club, Hole #5
It was on the fifth hole from 127 yards. Oddly, it was one year to the day since my last hole-in-one. Witnessed by Dan Demurak, Bob Hillstrom and Ian Lim.
I was competing in the Tri-County league which includes Guelph Country Club, Stratford Country Club, Elmira Golf Club and The Oaks of St. George. I am told that the league, which continues to be active today, remains the oldest regular interclub golf contest in the Western hemisphere and has previously include Westmount Golf & Country Club and The Galt Country Club.
Ben Hendsbee, Brightwood Golf & Country Club, Hole #15
Visiting the Halifax area on vacation, I played Brightwood Golf and Country Club for the first time on with my brother-in-law, Andy Arsenault, who is a member. We played with two other members, Bill McBurney and Noel. It’s a nice old Donald Ross course in Dartmouth N.S. On the 15th hole I hit a 9 iron from 145 yards that drew toward the flag. I thought it would be inside 10 feet. We saw it land, then disappear. Not having played there before, I thought it might have caught a hidden slope and drifted away. The other three guys, all members, were adamant it went in. Sure enough when we got to the green it was in the hole.
Steven Kodama, Remington Parkview Golf and Country Club, Hole #7
I was playing on the first day of the two day Toronto-based Senior Japanese Men’s League tournament. My friends, Tony, Ron and John joined me. It was a perfect morning for golf; it was slightly cool with no wind. I used my Adams 8 iron for the 167 yard, par 3. After looking for my ball for a couple of minutes past the green, my playing partner Ron, discovered my ball in the cup to our surprise. This was my first hole-in-one in 45 years. I want to thank our club organizers, Bob, Harold, Tony and Dennis for their wonderful support and the staff and Remington Parkview Golf and Country Club for their hospitality.
Canaan Marche, Lake St. George, West Course, Hole #2
First hole-in-one! Playing the second hole at Lake St. George West, hit a gap wedge that rode the cross wind perfectly back in front of the pin, took one big bounce then trickled in the front of the cup. Got to watch the whole thing from the tee block with a good friend and our wives.
Marty Mercieca, Rivendell Golf Club, Hole #12
Used a 6 iron from roughly 140 yards on hole #12 in the wind. I was playing with my wonderful wife Joanne who started golfing together with me. This was my first hole-in-one, the hole was playing downhill and I aimed it to the right. It bounced off the fringe while rolling to the left and into the pin.
Golf Canada Hole-In-One Report – Week of September 16, 2024
Each week we write to Golf Canada members who record a hole-in-one, congratulating them and asking if they’d tell us how it happened. These are their stories (edited for length and clarity).
Have you recently accomplished the feat of a hole-in-one? Tell us about it! Share your story, picture / video and course information with us at holeinone@golfcanada.ca.
Sandy Byckowski, Brampton Golf Club Limited, Hole #3
It was a beautiful morning with some shadows on our third hole. When I hit the shot, I knew it was on line and hit into the rise at the front of the green, then I could not see it anymore. My playing partner Robin says it went in. He said it so casually I thought he was kidding. Then Maggie another partner said, “yes it went in.”
Tirath Bains, Hazlemere Golf Club, Hole #13
I participated in the SABA (South Asian Business Association) tournament at Hazlemere Golf Club, playing alongside fellow golfers Pyara Dadwal, Jag Hundal and Davinder Dhesi. During the round, on hole #13, a 184 yard, par 3, I hit a six iron that landed just short of the green and rolled perfectly into the hole for a hole-in-one. It was an unforgettable moment, made even more special by sharing it with such great company.
John Annear, Brudenell Golf Course, Hole #7
I was playing with Rick Sutherland and Bob Nicholson who are life long friends and my first cousins son Neil Rutherford. I was using a 6-iron from 180 yards. Incidentally this is my fourth hole-in-one and third in the last four years. I got one on August 16, 2021 on the iconic #17 at The Links at Crowbush Cove with a gap wedge from 97 yards and captured a great sunset picture of that one. On September 16, 2022 I aced hole #16 on Brudenell with the same 6 iron from 180 yards.
John Ryder, Wildfire Golf Club, Hole #11
Playing in the regular Friday men’s league at Wildfire Golf Club with Gary Carr and Larry Turnbull. A 146 yard shot with a 7 iron for my second hole-in-one, beating a friend’s closest to the hole great shot.
Brian Graziotto, Parry Sound Golf & Country Club, Hole #10
I was playing with Barry Briggs and Jim Sims, part of the local men’s league. The yardage was 124. The club used was a 7 iron.
Elliana Buhagiar, TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley , Hole #8
This was my second ever ace and my first in competition and first in a professional event as an amateur. Plus, it was cool to do it in a national championship. It was the second round at the ORORO PGA Women’s Championship of Canada at TPC Toronto Heathlands course. It was hole #8 and the flag was 128 yards towards the middle of the green. Wind was helping a little and I hit my pitching wedge two yards past and spun it back into the cup.
Devin Leblanc, Clare Golf & Country Club, Hole #17
There was my self, Paul Foote and Richard Wright. We were standing on the hole #17 tee box just after talking about some hole in we seen and us not having any. Well in that moment my world changed I used my pitching wedge, once it landed about ten feet passed the hole it looked stopped, thinking to my self I have a nice chance for birdie. As I was thinking about this I noticed the ball rolling back towards the hole. I was thinking to my self, this is even closer and then all of a sudden it disappeared into the cup. I hollered and jumped for joy. Couldn’t believe it, that my first one would of been spinning the ball back least ten feet. Will be one to remember that’s for sure. Took me 31 years to get my first.
Jeff Enquist, Southwood Golf & Country Club, Hole #8
I was golfing with friends on Sunday as a guest at Southwood Golf & Country Club in Winnipeg. We were playing high low game and the loser two some had to buy lunch. It was a close match. On hole #8, a 130 yard, par 3 over water, I hit a 9 iron straight at the flag. It landed on the green, bounced twice, hit the flagstick, and then disappeared. The group thought it went in. They wanted me to be the first to walk to the cup and check. There it was, in the hole! My first hole-in-one. So exciting. The match didn’t matter after that as I was buying anyway!
Brad Hewitt, Whitevale Golf Club, Hole #12
With gusting winds Brad Hewitt, guest of brother Steve Hewitt, holed a perfect 8 iron on hole #12 at Whitevale Golf Club. Playing partners Darryl Brown and John Fleming.
Tony Marshall, Sunstone Golf Club, Hole #17
Sadly, I was playing alone. It was 154 yards and I hit a 7 iron. It bounced high on the apron at the front of the green, (front pin about 15 or 20 feet in) and disappeared. I wasn’t excited as I thought it went long but when I got up there, it was in the hole! I lost a Pro V1 on hole #16 so I was playing a Nitro and it was the Nitro in the hole. I was buzzing for days, still seems surreal. I started playing in my 40’s about 20 years ago. I’ve had many close calls (edge of the cup a few times), but this is the only one that dropped. Golf is great!
Golf Canada Hole-In-One Report – Week of September 9, 2024
Each week we write to Golf Canada members who record a hole-in-one, congratulating them and asking if they’d tell us how it happened. These are their stories (edited for length and clarity).
Have you recently accomplished the feat of a hole-in-one? Tell us about it! Share your story, picture / video and course information with us at holeinone@golfcanada.ca.
Peyton Lee, Lindsay Golf & Country Club, Hole #17
I was playing with my dad. The yardage was 180 playing into a two club wind. I hit a 5-iron with a slight cut, took one bounce off the slope of the hill and disappeared. I knew there was a ridge there so I didn’t want to get too excited too soon, but when I drove up to the green and didn’t see the ball I had a pretty good idea that it went in.
Robert Piccionit, Mount Bruno Country Club, Hole #10
Geoff Garbarino and Jon Chaimburg were my playing partners that day. We made the turn and headed for our par 3, hole #10. It was playing approximately 148 yards and pin was front left which is on a green that flushes everything right. I had mentioned that the pin placement that day was the hardest. I dropped the ball in the box, no tee and compressed a 9 iron. Ball left the club on an absolutely straight line and Jon Chaimbrug called the hole out as soon as it left the club. I thought it was long but the ball landed six inches left of the cup, took one bounce right and in it went side door.
Matt Prosser, Avon Valley Golf & Country Club, Hole #5
I was playing with my friend Brett MacNeil. Yardage was 125 and the club was a 50 degree Titliest SM7 wedge.
Kent Cameron, Cottonwood Golf & Country Club, Hole #2
I was playing Cottonwood Golf & Country Club in Calgary with a couple friends from work. It was on an afternoon round, on hole #2, playing 145 yards, back centre pin. I hit a nine iron with a baby cut. The ball landed just short of the hole but released and rolled in! It was a pretty awesome day!
Trish Leach, The Falls Golf Club, Hole #4
I was so excited because it was my very first hole-in-one. Never thought I would ever get one and then it finally happened! The fun part was the course was a bit backed up so there was a group of four men watching me tee off, along with my partner in life Gord. They let out a huge roar when it went in.
It was about 110 yards from an elevated tee box and I used my trusty, lofty little 9 wood. The ball landed on the green a few feet in front of the hole, and bounced once straight into the cup.
Yay 62 year old me!
Colin McLelland, Glencairn Golf Club, Hole #7
The hole-in-one came on hole #7 at Glencairn Leithfield during our club championship. The yardage was 155 into a breeze. Hit a nice 6 iron with draw into a back pin location and we saw the ball go in the hole. I went on to shoot a nice 77 that day. Played with fellow competitors David Clarke and Brad Gleeson. This is my fourth hole-in-one and second on this hole at Glencairn.
Robert Harrison, Peel Village Golf Club, Hole #2
It was on hole #2 of Peel Village Golf Club in Brampton. The second hole is an uphill par 3. The yardage on the score card was 115. On that day it was playing a little shorter at 109 yards. I was playing with Ian Sarjeant, Brian Sim and Alan Coates. A beautiful day with this being the highlight!
Jennifer Hicks, Amberwood Village Golf & Country Club, Hole #1
This was such a thrill for me. I have been close to having a hole-in-one so many times having birdies, eagles and even an albatross on a par 5 but never and ace. My life partner and a fellow golfer were witnesses to this incredible event. It was on the first hole, what a way to start a round! I used an 8 iron for the 128 yard shot. It was a surreal experience.
Barry Porter, Lakeside Golf Club, Hole #6
It was an exciting time at Lakeside as I happened to make a hole-in-one on the same hole, same tournament, same yardage, same blue flag as the previous year. I’m hoping for the natural hat trick next year when I go for three in a row! It was a bit expensive buying refreshments both years as there were quite a few members playing in the Memorial tournament, thank goodness for hole-in-one insurance!
Photo taken from the Lakeside Golf Club Facebook post.
Patricia Kenny, Predator Ridge, Hole #15
I was playing with Linda Deluca and Lorraine Dollevoet. The shot was on hole #15 on the Ridge course at Predator Ridge and the yardage was approximately 109. I used a seven iron.
Nitin Badhwar, Sleepy Hollow Golf & Country Club, Hole #8
Hole #8 was about 145 yards to a red flag yesterday so I grabbed my 7 iron (I am old now so need extra club). My focus was on not going left as that is what I have been doing a lot lately. Plan was to have it land on the right side and roll down to the hole. To my shock, I nailed a beauty right at the pin. Hit it well, saw a bounce in front of the green and then the four of us just watched the ball track toward the hole. James looked at me after we lost sight of it and I could tell he thought it was in. Carlo was standing on the wheel of his cart trying to get a better look and said, “dude, I think that’s in.” Chris was sure of it too but we all know that hole #8 often tricks you and you find the ball sitting ten feet past the hole when you finally get there.
I tried to stay grounded as we walked up to the green. My heart sank when Carlo got to the hole first and then walked away. By the time I got to the green, I expected to see it on the green but couldn’t see it anywhere. I asked the guys and Carlo just casually said to check the hole and there was yellow Kirkland in the hole. And that is when we just erupted. High fives and hugs all around.
Second ace, and both on hole #8 at Sleepy Hollow Golf & Country Club. Great to do it on a League day and it was made extra special celebrating with the special community that we have at Sleepy Hollow. Definitely felt the love from everyone there, and in texts and e-mails that followed. Feeling on top of the world!
Alex Binkley, Muskoka Lakes Golf & Country Club, Hole #12
I was playing with my son-in-law Jonathan MacLeod of Bedford, N.S., his father Jack MacLeod of Little Harbour, N.S. and longtime golfing buddy John Moses of Toronto. Hole #12 at Muskoka Lakes is about a 160 yard drive from the gold tee. I hit with my driver. I rarely land on the green on this hole with my first shot so I was surprised to see the ball land there and roll towards the pin. When it disappeared, I was initially speechless but my three loudly cheering pals were shouting hole-in-one. When we reached the green, I walked over and there was the ball resting in the cup. In the end, I was even more surprised at how quickly news of the event spread among the other golfers and the staff at the club.
Golf Canada Hole-In-One Report – Week of September 2, 2024
Each week we write to Golf Canada members who record a hole-in-one, congratulating them and asking if they’d tell us how it happened. These are their stories (edited for length and clarity).
Have you recently accomplished the feat of a hole-in-one? Tell us about it! Share your story, picture / video and course information with us at holeinone@golfcanada.ca.
Kevin Trayling, Woodington Lakes, Hole #15
I did have my first ever hole-in-one this past weekend! It was my second round of the day, our first round was played at Glen Eagle, but the second round was played at Woodington Lakes where I got the hole-in-one on hole #16.
I was playing with my two friends, Adam and Jim. The yardage was 145 (playing like 160) and I used an 8 iron. It was a moment I will never forget!
At first I was like where did my ball go? Then I thought to myself, “Oh man I think I hit an ace!” I ran and got my phone in the golf cart and video taped the moment going to the pin and my ball.
The group that just completed the hole were on the next hole close by and they saw the ace and they too were amazed.
Steve Smith, Tarandowah Golfers Club, Hole #3
The hole was playing at 145 yards that day (according to Garmin). I used my 7 iron. I was playing with Bryan Gast, Barry Kennedy and Doug Campbell with Ron McLeod also witnessing. This was first hole-in-one!
Jadyn Lit, Chateau Whistler Golf Club, Hole #8
I was playing with Bill Lit who is also a Golf Canada member, along with Amar Paddam and Parb Rehal. The official yardage I got was 152 and I used a 9 iron (Ping i530) and Taylormade Project A ball.
Nancy Wynter, Greyhawk Golf Club, Hole #7
I was playing in the third and final round of our Senior Intersectional Qualifier event that also happened to coincide with our weekly women’s league.
It was a 91 yard shot and I used an 8 iron. It wasn’t pretty as I just barely got over the green side bunker and was so lucky that the rough slowed it up enough as it rolled on the green and went into the hole.
I was one of the earlier tee times so I took my time to come into the clubhouse to give the women a chance to partake in a hole-in-one drink. At our club, everyone will get a free drink for up to an hour after the person getting the hole-in-one enters the bar.
It sure helped that there was a thunderstorm in the area and they sounded the horn which forced everyone to come back to the clubhouse.
This is my third hole-in-one. All have been at GreyHawk. I’ve had a hole-in-one on hole’s #7 and #17 on Talon and hole #11 on Predator.
I was golfing with Sylvie Goulard and Elaine Willcock that day.
Bruce Liski, Murray Municipal, Hole #4
I was playing golf with Hal Wilkie, Joe Bladyko and Shawn Koroluk.
The fourth hole at the Murray Golf Course that day was playing 187 yards. I used a 4 hybrid.
It took 51 years of playing golf to finally get a hole-in-one!
Starting playing golf as a unattached junior at one of the local country clubs at age 13. I am now 64 years old and the wait is officially over.
Shawn Woolls, Forest Heights Golf Course, Hole #5
It’s been a good year of golf for me so far. Put in some solid work over the winter and it seems to be paying off. The women in my wife’s family have had the upper hand over the men in the hole-in-one department.
Wife has one, mother-in-law has one and sister-in-law has two! Two years ago my brother-in-law ended the drought with two of his own. I’ve been close a few times in the past. Inches away a few times and once I damaged the hole by hitting pin and cup at same time.
This year I was close twice. Just missing by inches, until I got to hole #5 at Forest Heights Golf Course in Sundre, Alta. The hole was 164 yards, back pin. I used my Titleist 8 iron and Pro-V1x combo. Hit a nice tight fade, landed about 10 feet from the pin, rolled up and disappeared! We weren’t sure until we got up to the green. The guys at the next tee box seen it and waited for us as they figured we didn’t know it went in because we weren’t hollering and cheering. Sent them four beers when the cart came by!
Now the monkey is off my back and the women have been in a drought for a couple years now, although I suspect they won’t let that last long!
Kristin Lewis, Ponoka Community Golf Course, Hole #15
I got my hole-in-one on hole #15 at the Ponoka Community Golf Course on the last round of an eleven day golf trip with my husband (Gary Sandberg), my dad (Dale Lewis) and my dad’s significant other (Susan Johnston). This is our third annual golf trip, how lucky am I that I get to golf with both my dad and my husband! We often colour match our golf outfits (my dad started it), and we were all in our matching blue “hammer time” shirts for our last day, it’s lots of fun.
This trip, in particular, was a special one, as it was the start of my recovery and my return to golf as I tried to get my game back and just enjoyed every day loving life on the course. I received the all clear in May of this year after spending the last year in treatment (surgery, chemo and radiation) after being diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2023.
The hole-in-one is my first, and likely only! I’ve been golfing pretty regularly for over 30 years! When I stepped up to the 102 yard hole from the forward tee boxes, I certainly didn’t have any big expectations, to the point where when I hit the ball with my pitching wedge, I was very excited just to see it clear the front sand trap (it wasn’t my best shot). And then it bounced and started rolling toward the pin and disappeared! I didn’t really believe it. I looked over to my husband and he nodded and threw his arms up, and then I lost my mind! I started cheering and screaming, threw my club down, ran a lap around the tee box like I’d just won the World Series and proceeded to give hugs all around! Everyone within a three hole radius had a pretty good idea what happened.
Some of my friends and family have speculated that this is my consolation prize for the last year of what I’ve been through. I’ll take it! So many reasons to keep smiling!
Claire Chanyi, Priddis Greens Golf & Country Club, Hole #8
The day I got my hole-in-one I was playing with my two friends, it was our second round of the day. The yardage was 108 and I used my 54 degree wedge.
Kate Pascal, Greystone Golf Club, Hole #11
That day was absolutely amazing! I am still processing what happened. I was in a disbelief at first, then shock and finally, a crazy state of happiness. Getting the hole-in-one is such an incredible feeling! From the red tees and I’m not sure what the exact distance was but for me to use 6 hybrid must’ve been 112-115 yards. Kirkland ball used. I was playing with my boss Craig H., Jeremy R. and Steve B. It was our team golf day.
Lindsey Hermer-Bell, Georgian Bay Club, Hole #3
I was playing with my friends Sue and John Chippendale. Approaching hole #3, I selected a 7 wood to hit the ball 138 yards into the wind. I walked up to the hole and just hit the ball. It bounced about two times in front of the hole and disappeared. I thought it may have gone past the hole but we didn’t see the ball. It was in direct line to the hole so my playing friends were convinced it dropped in the hole. Sure enough, there it was. I guess I was in a state of shock! It was my first!
Norm Piche, Osprey Links Golf Club, Hole #15
The funny thing is that I detest this hole because for years golfing this hole I have a terrible time hitting the green from my tee shot. While I had a pretty good front nine, I had struggled on holes #12, #13, and had a triple bogey on #14. I was walking up the hill to the 15th tee and told my buddy, Darryl, that we should have quit playing after nine holes. Anyways, as we prepared to tee off on #15, my nemesis hole, I finally hit a shot that was actually going to stay on the green. Little did I know it would fall two inches past the hole and back spin into the hole. I was in disbelief at first then realized what had happened.
Golf Canada Hole-In-One Report – Week of August 26, 2024
Each week we write to Golf Canada members who record a hole-in-one, congratulating them and asking if they’d tell us how it happened. These are their stories (edited for length and clarity).
Have you recently accomplished the feat of a hole-in-one? Tell us about it! Share your story, picture / video and course information with us at holeinone@golfcanada.ca.
Eric Hatton, Lowville Golf Club, Hole #13
I was playing with Curtis Hatton (brother) and my friends Kevin Blanchetee and Chris Miles. Hole #13 at Lowville Golf Club. 129 yards, used a 54 degree wedge and a Taylormade TP5 Ball. It was a blind tee shot so when we didn’t see it on the green by friend Kevin decided to record a video checking the hole. Sure enough it was there in the hole and excitement ensued. This was my third hole-in-one.
John Vincent, Pinewa Golf Club, Hole #13
Playing with Steve Daviduik. 192 yards. Used a Callaway Rogue 4 Hybrid and a Taylormade TP5X Golf ball.
Tyler Reil, Twin Willows Golf Club, Hole #7
That day, hole #7 was 174 yards to the pin. I used my 7 iron and landed approximately five yards short, it rolled up and dropped in.
It’s an interesting story on what lead up to this day. My grandfather was a golf pro and owned a golf shop here in Edmonton. As a kid, I golfed quite a bit, but totally stopped at 14 years old. Four years ago I thought I should get back at it and have been getting in 50 – 70 rounds per year since then.
This March, my wife and I were in a serious head on collision at highway speed which put an end to all sporting activities, as we focused on physiotherapy and recovery. July 13th, we receive a call that one of our golf partners (Dale) had a heart attack and sadly passed away on the course. The following day I golfed the first round of the year in his spot, with the foursome that had been together for 20 years, a group that I had spared with for three years.
The next weekend, I played my second round of the year, and the following weekend was when I was lucky enough to get my first hole-in-one. That day I was golfing with my friends Marcel, Doug and Billy, but I’m sure there was a fifth riding along with us.
Becki Ross, Cedar Hill Golf Club, Hole #4
Marsha Mallow, Angela Lucia, Erin Duhaime Yuen and Becki Ross were playing the July – Cloud Series four game (stableford). On hole #4 at the Cedar Hill Golf Course in Victoria, B.C., Becki Ross had a hole-in-one. She hit her M2 Senior Men’s Taylormade 9-iron the distance of 121 yards, and with two bounces, her Titleist Pro V1 golf ball was in the cup! This was the first hole-in-one for Becki. She has been golfing for 54 years and thought she was never going to get a hole-in-one. As we all watched it go in, there was much cheering, screaming and excitement for all, especially for Becki.
– Written by Marsha Mallow, Becki’s playing mate
Ryan Kahro, Cutten Fields, Hole #17
I was playing in our weekly mens league. I usually only play nine on Thursdays, but this time, we decided to play 18. We had just finished playing through a group on hole #16 so I hurried to the tee with an 8 iron. I then realized it was too much club as it was playing 148 yards. So I hit a knock down. It was just a bit right of the flag but landed softly and rolled down the hill and disappeared. I had my first ace on hole #17 at Cutten in 1999, but the hole has been completely remodelled, so it was kind of extra special to get one on the newer hole. Thanks to my long time playing partner Greg Hosker who witnessed the shot. Unfortunately, Tyler Campagnolo had left after hole 14, but made sure to make it back to the patio to enjoy a cocktail!
Steve Siriska, Calerin Golf Club, Hole #11
It was my first one and yes, what a feeling. I was playing with James Aston, Dean Morgan and Andy McClure who are all Golf North members as well. Yardage was 145. Used my trusted 7 iron.
Jacey Kennedy, Greyhawk Golf Club, Hole #8
My hole-in-one was on Predator #8 at my home club of GreyHawk. The best part, it all went down during our Ladies League, with my golf besties Shari Cooper, Diane Roscoe and Christine Sabourin right there to witness it! The sound of excited screams and cheering carried across the course, echoing through the nearby fairways and greens. The distance was 135 yards and I used my 5 iron, the very same club that brought me my first hole-in-one at Islesmere Golf Club.
Dwight Christensen, Greyhawk Golf Club, Hole #15
I was golfing in the Greyhawk Hopwood League for senior golfers with the regular foursome of my wife, Nancy Christensen along with our friends Brian Veinot and Phyllis O’Brien. On hole #15 of Predator, which is nominally 197 yards as the pin was at the back of the green and according to my Garmin GPS was 204 yards from the tee. With some headwind, I decided to go with a choked-up driver rather than my usual three wood. I was able to hit the ball low against the wind such that it hit the front of the green with little bounce and then tracked straight to the pin. I did not see the ball drop and since I have never had a hole-in-one, I expected that the ball had just rolled through and over the back of the green. Upon reaching the green, I looked for a few minutes in the rough at the back of the green before I approached the hole and was quite shocked to see the ball nestled at the bottom of the hole with the pin.
Mike Appleyard, Mountain Woods Golf Club, Hole #15
It was hole #15 and the yardage was 115. We were playing in the Arrow Construction Products Dave Boyle Memorial Tournament to honour a friend. I used a pitching wedge and the ball landed 16 inches from the flagstick and rolled right in. I was playing with Adrian Thompson, Shawn Arsenault and Michael Mooney. The timing and the event couldn’t have been more special.
Jenna Brooks, Royal Woodbine Golf Club, Hole #8
It was good fun and very surreal. I was playing with a few friends from my Tuesday night Iron Lady Golf League, Ainsley, Agnes and another woman who’s name was Julie that joined us that night. It was roughly a 120 yard, downhill par 3 and I used a 7 iron. The pin was forward, it bounced off the fringe and rolled in!
Ron Rhode, Mount Brenton Golf Course, Hole #14
It was the first one for me on that hole, and given the length at 160 yards, I was happy to get it. I hit a 5-iron with a draw, starting it at the right bunker, and I think it landed short and rang into the hole (white pin in the center of the green).
This is the third one this year for me, and I’m hoping for more. I guess playing almost every day of the week does have some advantages.
Bruce Dussault, Mount Brenton Golf Course, Hole #16
Amazingly, I finally got my first hole-in-one on the 124 yard, hole #16. Gap wedge to the green and rolled in. Promptly lost the ball on the next hole!
Dylan Wotton, Hartlen Point Forces Golf Club, Hole #5
I was playing with my Mother, Denise Snow and 2 other fellow club members. Thursday, August 29th, I got a hole-in-one at Hartlen Point Forces Golf Course. It was hole #5, par 4, 291 yards and I used a 3 wood. I play the white tees. The hole has a blind hill you hit over that is straight out. My shot was struck well, high in the air and dead straight over the hill towards the green. I saw it land and bounce once on the other side of the hill, high and straight at the green knowing it was a safe shot. The group in front of us were on the green when I hit. After our foursome teed off, one of the gentleman that were on the green started driving back towards us. We all at that point thought my ball might have landed really close to them. The golfer driving towards us asked who hit over the hill? My group pointed to myself, the gentleman then got out of the golf cart and I was starting to apologize for the shot as I thought it may have hit one or was to close for comfort but he cut me off saying, “congratulations, your ball is in the hole!” We could not believe it. I heard from the three witnesses that they were getting ready to putt when a ball bounced and rolled up to the green and proceeded to drop in the hole. They thought to themselves who is putting before us. As we approached the green the other men congratulated myself and signed the score card as witnesses because i would never have seen it go in from the tee box.
Golf Canada Hole-In-One Report – Week of August 19, 2024
Each week we write to Golf Canada members who record a hole-in-one, congratulating them and asking if they’d tell us how it happened. These are their stories (edited for length and clarity).
Have you recently accomplished the feat of a hole-in-one? Tell us about it! Share your story, picture / video and course information with us at holeinone@golfcanada.ca.
Vicki Dillane, Twenty Valley Golf & Country Club, Hole #7
I was playing with my husband, my son and his girlfriend. My grandparents, my parents and brother have all had hole-in-one’s. We are an avid golf family.
There was a paint turtle sitting on the fringe of hole #7 that day. It was my lucky turtle. Hole #7 at Twenty Valley is a par 3 about 122 yards and I used my TaylorMade 7 iron.
Dylan Ofner, The Okanagan Golf Club, Hole #11
I was playing with my brother, my dad, and my uncle on a beautiful and scorching hot day in the Okanagan during the +30 degrees Celsius heat wave. The yardage was 163, playing about 155 down the hill. I wanted to lead them off as the second I saw the number, I knew for sure it was going to be a 9 iron.
I played a sling draw that landed about three to four feet to the left of the pin, had some great check spin that propelled it to the right and drained it! Had another group on hole #18 across from us that saw it and the group in front of us raced back from the next tee box to confirm it in the hole. The hype was real, causing everyone else in my playing group to end up missing the green, but they were happy for me. I ended up having a great remainder of the round until a double then triple bogey on hole #16 and #17, but managed to par hole #18 and finish with a 78.
Evan Brown, Pheasant Glen Golf Resort, Hole #6
It was a 172 yard, par 3, 7 iron to back right pin. The special moment was I was playing with my 12 year old son. It’s my second hole-in-one, the first was 28 years ago!
Jim Laursen, Ardmore Golf Course, Hole #17
I was playing with Pat Davies, Nick Wishlaw and Bill Schuss on our regular dime and quarter match on a Friday. We usually play what we call “short 17” so that we can shoot for “closest to the pin” on the 90 yard hole. One of the boys had put his shot quite close and was crowing about his likely, “big cash win.” I was last to tee off, grabbed a wedge and told them not to count me out just yet. I was the most surprised when my shot took two hops and rolled into the hole. I then pocketed the, “closest to the pin” money but put it towards a cool one for my partners back at the clubhouse.
Wade Jones, Otter Creek Golf Club, Hole #12
I have been playing for about 50 years now and although I have had a number of near misses this is only my second hole-in-one. We had three groups of guys and great weather for our trip to Otter Creek that day. For equipment it was a TaylorMade day as I was playing my SIM2 irons and using a TaylorMade and a Tour Response golf ball. On hole #12, I hit my 6 iron to the pin which was 170 yards on the scope and back left of the green. Unfortunately, as this green is elevated and sloped front to back, we did not get to see it roll into the hole. I knew that I hit a great looking shot but as our group (Steve Killaire, Murray Ball and myself) got onto the green we could see the other balls but not mine until I kidded that it must be in the hole. I took a look and sure enough there it was. It was a great feeling and well worth the bar tab afterwards.
Bill Eggert, Fairview Mountain Golf Club, Hole #15
Pretty amazing for a 34 something handicap! It was hole #15 (in the bowl). 84 yards and I used an approach iron. Hit the green 10 feet in front and rolled right in. I was golfing with Hap May, Ron Fontaine and a friend of theirs whose name I can’t remember. I golf with them once or twice a year when they come up for their holiday. They were long time customers of mine when I owned the winery next door to the golf course, and we have remained friends.
A much better accomplishment in my books was breaking 100 last Saturday at Nk’mip.
Rob Armitage, Essex Golf & Country Club, Hole #5
I was out on the course with Jeff Miller, Maggie Miller and my wonderful wife, Deb Armitage. Interestingly, the day before, Jeff had come incredibly close to a hole-in-one on the same hole. We were still chuckling about that when I stepped up to take my shot. Playing 163 yards with a helpful wind, I hit an eight iron that sailed perfectly toward the flag. Based on the divot, it landed just six inches in front of the pin and then rolled in. It was an unforgettable moment and a memory I’ll cherish forever.
Telesa Brown, Heritage Pointe Golf Club, Hole #14
It was hole #5 on the Heritage nine. I was golfing with my husband. The hole was 85 yards and I used my pitching wedge.
Paul Callanan, Brampton Golf Club Limited, Hole #3
I hit an 8 iron, because the wind was coming toward us and because the greens were a little soft due to the rain and aeration about a week before. I was playing with Bob Bates, Frank Dykstra and Gordon Drakes in a weekly tournament of about 40 guys at Brampton Golf Club that we call “Friboyz.”
Ron Spence, Black Mountain Golf Club, Hole #4
The weather was a perfect Okanagan morning, sunny, clear, calm and +24 degrees celsius. I was playing with my buddies Roy Millar, Shawn Flett and Carl Lawrence. Hole #4 is a 155 yard elevated tee about 150 feet above the hole. The pin was at the back of the green past a ridge. I had the honors and Roy said, “if we land on the right side at the top of the ridge the ball should roll right into the cup.” Roy has a rangefinder and with slope correction the distance was 144 yards.
I teed up a Titleist one ball and with my 35 year old Ping Persimmon 5 wood, (I also have driver, 3, and 7 Persimmons), hit a high easy shot that hit the top of the ridge, bounced once and rolled about 35 feet into the hole, amazing feeling. It’s my first hole-in-one in 60 years of golfing. I have hit the pin at the Brandon Golf and Country Club with a brand new Mercury Cougar as a prize. Another time I rolled right around the hole at Gallagher’s Canyon Golf course with a price of a trip for four to St. Andrews Golf Club in Scotland. My only other near hole-in-one was leaving the ball on the lip at Kelowna Springs Golf course with a $20,000 cash prize. This day was not during a tournament but I will treasure the moment for life and the folks at Black Mountain Golf Course were great.