That’s ace! Four players hit hole-in-ones at Brabazon Trophy
Have you ever seen four hole-in-ones, on the same hole, on the same day?
There must have been some celebrations in the bar after an extraordinary first day of the Brabazon Trophy at Woodhall Spa.
Alexandre Fuchs, Robin Dawson, Rob MacIntyre and Jacob Oakley all celebrated aces on the 5th hole of the Hotchkin course as England Golf staged their prestigious amateur tournament.
The hot temperatures were matched by some hot golf, with England’s Todd Clements (pictured) striking a new record seven under 66 to lead the pack.
But it was the quartet of perfect shots that had everyone talking at the Lincolnshire track.
Fuchs had holed a pitching wedge from 130 yards on the fourth for an eagle before finding the cup with deadly aim again with an 8-iron on the par 3. He’d finish up in second spot following the first around after a 67.
The 5th hole. How many hole in ones today? #BrabazonTrophy @woodhallspagolf @EnglandGolf pic.twitter.com/RWUS0v9jXh
— James Crampton (@JamesCramptonEG) May 26, 2017
Dawson’s 68 was enhanced by his 8-iron and first hole-in-one.
He said: “I missed a 3ft putt for par on the fourth and I was a little annoyed so it was nice to step on the next and get a hole in one.”
MacIntyre, the world number six, took a nine iron to score his fifth ace on his way to a 68. He said: “After that everything went flat for three holes. After a hole in one it can go either way and I’m happy with five-under, I’m right in the thick of things.”
Oakley’s effort, the fourth of the day, came thanks to a wedge and was also the Styal player’s first.
“It was nice because I got off to a bit of a bad start, then I made a couple more mistakes, but I had a decent back nine.” Oakley, who is playing in the Brabazon for the first time, shot two-over par 75.
Picture courtesy of Leaderboard Photography
Have you ever witnessed a similar feat watching golf? Let us know in the comments or tweet @SteveCarrollNCG
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Steve Carroll
A journalist for 25 years, Steve has been immersed in club golf for almost as long. A former club captain, he has passed the Level 3 Rules of Golf exam with distinction having attended the R&A's prestigious Tournament Administrators and Referees Seminar.
Steve has officiated at a host of high-profile tournaments, including Open Regional Qualifying, PGA Fourball Championship, English Men's Senior Amateur, and the North of England Amateur Championship. In 2023, he made his international debut as part of the team that refereed England vs Switzerland U16 girls.
A part of NCG's Top 100s panel, Steve has a particular love of links golf and is frantically trying to restore his single-figure handicap. He currently floats at around 11.
Steve plays at Close House, in Newcastle, and York GC, where he is a member of the club's matches and competitions committee and referees the annual 36-hole scratch York Rose Bowl.
Having studied history at Newcastle University, he became a journalist having passed his NTCJ exams at Darlington College of Technology.
What's in Steve's bag: TaylorMade Stealth 2 driver, 3-wood, and hybrids; TaylorMade Stealth 2 irons; TaylorMade Hi-Toe, Ping ChipR, Sik Putter.
