A hole in one is something golfers can fail to achieve in a lifetime of playing golf. Getting a hole in one requires some degree of luck and skill to achieve so it’s little wonder it often takes experience and a lot of practice.
Once you get your first one however it may surprise you to know that statistically the odds are not quite as stacked against it happening again as you might think!
With this and other hole in one statistical oddities in mind, we have compiled a list of 10 surprising facts about hole in ones you may not have heard before.
➊ IT IS POSSIBLE TO GET A HOLE IN ONE ON A PAR-5 – IF YOU’RE LUCKY
The majority of hole in ones are of course made on par-3 holes that of course have a shorter distance to the hole. Once you head into par-4 territory the chances are significantly less. You would be achieving an albatross in this case to go along with your hole in one.
A hole in one on a par-5 will get you what is known as a condor or a triple eagle!
Not every hole in one gains international attention of course but par-5 hole in ones have been recorded – even though it’s near impossible to hit a 500-yard drive.
The way to hit a hole in one on a par-5 is to look for short cuts over trees or other hazards onto the green if the shape of the course allows it.
One example of a golfer doing just that was by a Mr Shaun Lynch. His hole in one on a par-5 was achieved with a 3-iron Golf Club in Devon in 1995. The distance he needed to cover was 496-yards and according to an article in Golf World magazine, Lynch’s golf ball cleared a 20-foot-high hedge before rolling down a slope and into the hole.
➋ THE LONGEST HOLE IN ONE EVER
The longest hole in one ever recorded was made by Mike Crean in Denver who managed to hit the hole from 517 yards.
➌ THE MOST HOLES IN ONE
Norman Manley of California is perhaps the luckiest or most skilful golfer in the world with his record of a whopping 59 hole in ones. Luckily he made them over a 15-year timeframe between 1964 and 1979.
➍ HOLES IN ONE ARE MORE COMMON THAN YOU THINK
It may surprise you to find out that a hole in one is achieved somewhere in the world every 3,500 rounds on average.
➎ YOU DON’T NEED TO BE A GREAT GOLFER TO GET A HOLE IN ONE
Statistically speaking, you’re more likely to get a hole in one if you are a mid-handicapper. 57% of holes in one are achieved by golfers in this bracket so don’t be put off trying.
➏ THE CLUBS MOST LIKELY TO GET YOU A HOLE IN ONE
Just in case you were wondering which clubs give you the best chance of an ace 40% of holes in one are made with 7, 8 or 9 irons.
➐ YOU’RE NEVER TOO OLD TO SCORE AN ACE
Ever heard of a golfer over 50 getting a hole in one? Apparently it’s no coincidence that you hear about so many golfers in this age bracket getting a hole in one. 60% are made by golfers aged 50 plus. Our own Mr Ian Wright, an 81-year old golfer, recently got a hole in one after achieving his first one 20 years ago.
➑ THE LIGHTNING NEVER STRIKES TWICE BUT IT CAN DO IN GOLF
14% of golfers who achieve a hole in one go on to make another. This gives hope to those golfers who may be competing for a million dollar hole in one prize this year.
➒ YOU DON’T NEED TO BE AN EXPERT BUT EXPERIENCE HELPS
It’s no secret that achieving a hole in one requires years of experience unless you happen to be very lucky. On average a golfer will need to be playing for 24 years to achieve a hole in one.
➓ IF CLUBS ARE IMPORTANT TO A HOLE IN ONE THEN WHAT ABOUT THE BALL?
Apparently 45% of hole in ones are achieved with a Titleist golf ball. You can look at this in two ways: either you stand a better chance with Titleist that all other brands or you could get even lucky using another brand.
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