The course where players can’t stop hitting a hole-in-one

It was a euphoric way to celebrate the easing of lockdown – a perfect shot as players finally got back out onto the course. As clubs gradually reopened following the shutdown for the coronavirus crisis, golfers across the UK marked the return in the best possible fashion – with a hole-in-one.

• Related: Everything you need to know about golf in the Covid world

But at one Scottish club, the members have proved to be really ace – with three one-shotters finding the bottom of the cup in just a couple of weeks since players were allowed back on May 28.

Aboyne Golf Club, the oldest on Royal Deesside, is the hole-in-one hotspot and the achievements have left everyone at the Aberdeenshire club stunned.

“That must surely be some form of record?” said club president Nigel Bradburn.

Graham Simpson kicked things off on June 2, wielding a 7-iron on the 8th hole for his first ever ace.

Then five-handicapper Martyn Paterson notched his fourth and second at Aboyne Golf Club – using a 6-iron to ultimate effect on the same hole.

Finally, 18-year-old Ben Keen, playing off six, holed out late last week at the tricky 12th using an 8-iron.

He said: “I was playing with my Grandpa and that leaves a lot of pressure on my dad Blair, who is the only member of the Keen family not to have holed out. It has given me great bragging rights with dad!”

Paterson, meanwhile, added: “I was thrilled to get my second hole-in-one at my home track. The course is looking in great condition and it was just a pity the bar was not open to celebrate”.

Simpson, meanwhile, said the moment brought to an end a near six-decade hunt. “I’m am absolutely delighted, at my age and after playing golf, off and on, for nearly 60 years, to get a hole in one! But my son-in-law is not speaking to me!” said the 15-handicapper.

“What an extraordinary 10-days we have had, and I offer my warmest congratulations to all these lucky gentlemen,” concluded Bradburn.

“Unfortunately with the Covid-19 lockdown our clubhouse is currently closed so we can’t celebrate with a wee dram. However, the members at Aboyne have long memories and I am sure they will remind the three guys of their achievements once the bar is re-open!”

Can you match the feats of Aboyne Golf Club? Have you had a hole-in-one since clubs and courses reopened again? Tell me about your feat in the comments, or tweet me.

• Related: Even in a global pandemic it’s good to see some things never change
• Related: Can you compare social golf to playing sports at the highest level?
• Related: Fight now or risk losing an entire generation of golfers

Follow NCG on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram – and don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for free online golf instruction, the latest equipment reviews, and much, much more.

Thanks for stopping by.

We wondered if you might like to contribute to supporting our journalism?

As the world enters uncharted waters, we’d like to be able to keep our content open for all to entertain and inform in the months ahead.

We’d like to think we are the voice of the ordinary golfer the world over. Whether your interest is in the game from tour level to grassroots, the latest equipment, or independent course rankings, we’ve got you covered.

If you want to read more about how you can help us and to donate, please CLICK HERE.