Will Zalatoris has returned to the PGA Tour after a short break from the game due to a back injury. He has certainly made his return known in style by recording a hole-in-one on the par-3 14th hole at Riviera Country Club. He hit his tee shot from 184-yards and the ball hit on the front of the green and rolled out and dropped straight into the hole.
What made this ace even more special is the prize that came with it. This week’s sponsor Genesis had put up not one but two cars for the first professional to make an ace on the 14th hole. So, besides bragging rights, Zalatoris also got a new ride for himself and also a new ride for his caddie.
This was Willly Z’s second hole-in-one on the PGA Tour. So, how does the every day player put just one of these on their resume? Well, as most of us already know there is no real secret to making it happen. However, skill does play a role. For example, when looking at a Par 3 hole an amateur has odds of 12,500 to 1 of making a hole in one. A professional golfer lowers those odds down to 2,500 to 1. Quite a difference. Yet, even having the skill doesn’t get you all the way to the bottom of the cup in one. It can also take a bit of luck. For example, it’s said that a low handicapper playing twice a month for around forty years still only has a 20% chance of making a hole in one when looking at the odds.
So, what do you take from all these statistics. Certainly playing a lot of golf and getting better or a combination of both increase your chances greatly. According to PGA Professional Keith Stewart, there are also three keys to actually make a hole in one. Those three keys are: truly believe it can happen, have a real and detailed plan to make an ace and then take dead aim saying “this can go in.” If all else fails hopefully a bit of luck can swing your way as we also know that luck certainly can play a big part in certain cases.
The European Tour has a running series where top professionals get a certain number of shots to make a hole in one. It really is a compelling watch to see the top pros in the game get multiple shots on the same hole to make a hole in one. Check out one of the latest where professional Andy Sullivan gets 500 balls on the 171 yard Par 3, 11th hole at Heritage Course at London Golf Club.
If you achieve golf’s holy grail, make sure to celebrate it the right way. Please don’t be the I can’t believe it happened person where those in your group are happier than you. Golf is a tough game. This is your time. Think Tiger Woods at the 2008 US Open making the 12-footer to tie on the 72nd hole at Torrey Pines or channel your best Phil Mickelson making the winning putt on the 72nd hole at the 2004 Masters.