Did you see the news from the Aramco Team Series event at Mission Hills Golf Club in China? There were two holes-in-one on the 126-yard par-3 8th hole, yet even more surprising was the fact that the feat was achieved by Frenchwoman Emma Grechi and Swede Moa Folke in back-to-back groups.
When you think that the odds of a pro golfer achieving an ace is 2,500 to 1, so for two to happen in quick succession is remarkable. Amazingly it’s not the first time we have seen this happen on the professional scene in 2024. At the US Senior Open, Frank Bensel Jr made a hole-in-one on consecutive holes. In case you don’t know, the chances of an amateur player scoring a hole-in-one is far less at 12,500 to 1.
Many years ago, I achieved my first and only hole-in-one at the 121-yard 7th hole at West Essex Golf Club on Lady Captain’s Day. I was so excited, but an expensive day to achieve the shot that all golfers dream of making! I remember that up until that point I wasn’t on form, and after the 7th hole the rest of my round was pretty rubbish because I was more focused on worrying about doing the right thing in so far as buying drinks because this was before the days of any insurance cover.
I doubt Grechi and Folke had such concerns, but in a similar way it looks like the ace was one of few highlights for Grechi as she finished four-over-par and two strokes back of the two-over-par cutline. As we know though, it only takes one special shot to bring us back next time! I’m sure Grechi was pleased for fellow countrywoman Celine Boutier who impressed with a bogey-free seven-under final round to secure victory in China by two shots from home favourite Xiyu Lin.
On another note, I admit that I need to sharpen up my Rules of Golf knowledge, especially before next season when I will be back playing competition golf more regularly. Yes, I know the basics, but there are still some rules that leave me completely scratching my head or second guessing the ruling.
Golf Monthly contributor Carly Cummins feels very strongly about this subject and believes that we should all pass a basic Rules of Golf test to become eligible to play competition golf, which is standard practice in Germany and Sweden. She makes a very good case, you can read the article here, but I think for the time being I’ll test myself with the rules quiz on the R&A website. Let’s face it, there are so many golf rules, we can’t possibly know the answer to all of them, but it’s worth knowing the most common rulings so you can confidently deal with a scenario, especially in a match play situation.
Happy golfing!
Alison Root
Women's Editor Golf Monthly