The story behind the Gene Sarazen hole-in-one at the age of 71
With the announcement that The Open is returning to Royal Troon, we revisit the time when Gene Sarazen made a hole-in-one there at the age of 71
Gene Sarazen knew a thing or two about holing shots at iconic venues.
The son of Sicilian immigrants hit the ‘shot heard ’round the world’ when his 4-wood found the bottom of the cup from 235 yards at Augusta’s 15th in 1935.
The albatross rocketed him into a tie with Craig Wood and the following day he won a 36-hole play-off by five.
But his final major contribution, 38 years later in 1973, was equally as impressive. At the age of 71, ‘The Squire’ holed his 5-iron at The Open’s most iconic par 3, the Postage Stamp.
With the BBC cameras on him, in just his second start of the year (the Masters being his first) and the wind in his face this happened on the Thursday.
“For many years, the Postage Stamp hole had haunted me; I feared it, so when I walked onto the tee and faced the wind, I must admit I was somewhat nervous,” said Sarazen.
“I selected my 5-iron as I was determined not to be short. When the crowd roared and I realised the ball was in the hole, I felt there was no better way to close the books on my tournament play than to make a hole-in-one on the Postage Stamp and call it quits.
“The thrilling part about it is that it was my first in 40 years and this was the first on film. Now when I see (the late Bobby) Jones and (the late Walter) Hagen, I can show them. They wouldn’t believe me unless they saw it.”
Earlier in the day DJ Russell, still an amateur, also made a hole-in-one at the same hole which was a first in the championship’s history.
Sarazen was round in 79 which he followed with an 81 which included a holed bunker shot for a two at the 8th.
Gene Sarazen hole in one: Troon. Is there a better golf shot at The Open than this? If there is, let us know on X!
Tom Irwin
Tom is a lifetime golfer, now over 30 years playing the game. 2023 marks 10 years in golf publishing and he is still holding down a + handicap at Alwoodley in Leeds. He has played over 600 golf courses, and has been a member of at least four including his first love Louth, in Lincolnshire. Tom likes unbranded clothing, natural fibres, and pencil bags. Seacroft in Lincolnshire is where it starts and ends.
