The National Hole-in-One registry states that tour players face 3,000-to-1 odds of achieving a hole-in-one during tournament play.
However, the odds increase to 67 million to 1 when it comes to achieving two holes-in-one in a single tournament, and Dale Whitnell defied those odds during the DP World Tour event in South Africa this week.
The 36-year-old golfer made history by recording two holes-in-one on Thursday during the first round of the South African Open at Durban Country Club.
Whitnell’s first hole-in-one came from a distance of 185 yards on the second hole using a 7-iron. His second ace was from 128 yards on the 12th hole using a 50-degree wedge.
“I’ve never had a hole-in-one in tournament play before,” Whitnell commented. “So to have two in one day is truly special.”
Following his remarkable achievement, Whitnell concluded the day with a 9-under 63, which included seven birdies, two bogeys, and a double bogey, placing him in the top 10 as he entered the second round.
“I had everything working for me today,” Whitnell remarked. “To finish 9 under par, I couldn’t be happier.”
In celebration of his historic day, Whitnell treated everyone to drinks, as is customary in the golfing world.
Only two players in the history of the DP World Tour — Andrew Dodt (2013) and John Hudson (1971) — have achieved two holes-in-one in a single round, while Bill Whedon (1955), Yusako Miyazato (2006), and Brian Harman (2015) accomplished this feat on the PGA Tour.