Every golfer, from weekend players to seasoned pros, shares the same dream: a perfect shot flying straight toward the pin, landing softly on the green, and dropping into the cup. That’s what a hole in one in golf is all about.
You’ve probably seen viral clips of players celebrating an ace, but most golfers still wonder, how rare is a hole in one, really? Whether you’re chasing your first-ever hole in one or just want to relive the most legendary “ace” moments in PGA history, we’re breaking down the physics, the bizarre rules, and the sheer luck behind golf’s greatest thrill.
So what actually makes a hole in one golf shot possible, and are the odds ever truly in your favor?
What is a Hole In One in Golf? (Ace)
A hole in one in golf (also known as an ace) occurs when a player hits the ball from the tee directly into the hole in a single shot, most commonly on a par-3 hole. It is one of the rarest and celebrated achievements in the game, combining accuracy, distance control, and favorable conditions, along with a blend of skills and a little luck.
A hole in one results in a score of “1” on the scorecard and is usually recorded on par-3 holes, which are the shortest on all standard golf courses. In order to record a hole in one, the shot must be completed as part of the very first stroke of the hole; subsequent strokes will yield a score of more than 1, even after taking into consideration the penalty strokes.
For example, if a player hits their first ball into a water hazard, takes a penalty, and then hits their third shot into the hole from the tee, it is not a hole-in-one; it is a “hole-out” for a score of 3 (often jokingly called a par-3 or 3 off the tee).
The word ‘ace’ derives from the Latin ‘as,’ meaning ‘one.’ The golf term was popularized in the early 1920s. It is recorded that the very first ever ace in competitive golf was scored in the 1869 Open Championship at Prestwick Golf Club by Young Tom Morris on the 166-yard 8th hole.
Note: For a hole in one to be ‘officially recorded’ for club records or registries, it typically requires a witness and must occur during a formal round (usually at least 9 holes), rather than during practice with multiple balls.
How Rare is a Hole In One?
For most amateur golfers, the dream of sinking a hole in one comes with steep odds of roughly 12,500 to 1. While professional tour players see those odds drop to about 3,000 to 1 and low-handicappers face 5,000 to 1 chances, the average player usually spends 24 years on the course before ever seeing an ace. According to the National Hole in One Registry, these rare shots occur only once every 3,500 rounds meaning just 1% to 2% of golfers achieve the feat annually.
However, age seems to be a factor in these milestones as players aged from 50 to 59, who account for a quarter of all recorded aces, while women represent about 16% of the total. Most of these shots are made from an average distance of 147 yards for men and 111 yards for women, with nearly half achieved with the most popular premium golf ball brand on the market.
While a single ace is a career highlight, some variations are nearly impossible. The probability of one person hitting two holes in one in a single round is surprisingly 67 million to 1, while two players in the same foursome acing the same hole is 17 million to 1. An even more legendary term in golf terminology is the “condor,” a hole in one on a par-5, which is so rare that only five instances have ever been officially documented in history.
Skill or Luck?
When it comes to the case for skill, a hole in one is rarely a complete accident. It takes a high level of technical precision to control the club face and swing path well enough to land a ball anywhere near a 4.25-inch target from over 150 yards away. This expertise is exactly why the odds shift so dramatically based on talent: a professional tour player faces odds of about 3,000 to 1, whereas a low-handicap amateur sees those odds widen to 5,000 to 1. Consistency is the real differentiator here; legends like Arnold Palmer racked up 20 aces because they were equipped with the power and accuracy to pin-seek far more often than the casual player.
However, luck remains the ultimate “X-factor” that determines whether a remarkable shot actually drops into the 4.25-inch hole. From 150 yards away, even a strike that looks perfect in the air is affected by environmental variables like sudden wind gusts, air temperature, and the specific firmness of the turf. This “fluke” factor explains why a beginner can “thin” a shot across a cart path and watch it accidentally roll into the hole, while many elite professionals go their entire careers without a single one. Because the margin for error is so minute, an ace remains one of the most fleeting and luck-driven milestones in all of sports, leaving the average golfer with a daunting 12,000 to 1 chance of success.
Hole-In-One Golf Traditions
Beyond the immediate shock and celebration on the green, certain unwritten rules govern what happens once you step off the course. These global customs turn a personal milestone into a shared experience with the wider golfing community. From clubhouse etiquette to international quirks, here are the most enduring hole in one traditions:
- Buying the Round: By far, the most widespread custom involves the fortunate person buying a round of drinks for everyone in the clubhouse. Although it may appear as a form of punishment for success, this custom has been around for centuries, signifying sharing your luck with the community.
- A Hole in One Insurance: Some countries, such as Japan, celebrate so lavishly, with parties and gifts for friends, that golfers actually buy insurance to cover the costs of a potential ace.
- Pro Shop Registering: Almost every club maintains a registry or “Wall of Fame,” where tradition mandates that after you achieve a hole in one, you inform the pro at the club about the feat.
- Caddy Gratuity: If there was a caddy at your party, then tipping him well is another way to reward him for helping you make a hole in one.
How to Celebrate A Hole in One?
Hitting an ace is a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Here is how to handle the immediate aftermath of the hole in one golf:
- Verify and Document: Before you start celebrating, walk to the hole, and make sure the ball is in the cup. Take a photo or video of the ball sitting in the hole before you touch it.
- The “Pluck Video”: Have a playing partner film you reaching into the cup to retrieve the ball. It is the iconic shot every golfer wants to remember for their social media or personal archives.
- Retire the Ball: Do not tee that ball up on the next hole. Mark it with the date, the club used, and the yardage, then put it safely in your bag. Losing a hole in one ball on the very next water hazard is a heartbreak you want to avoid.
- Save the Scorecard: Make sure your playing partners sign the scorecard to attest to the shot. Keep the physical card as a primary souvenir.
- Notify the Clubhouse: Head to the pro shop immediately after your round. Many courses will provide a certificate, a bag tag, or even a personalized framed plaque to mark the occasion.
Notable Hole-In-One Moment in Golf History
There have been several memorable moments in the history of golf hole in one events. Some of them include the following:
First Record Hole-In-One: The first record of a hole in one occurred in 1869, when Tom Morris, a Scottish golfer, managed to achieve it on the 8th hole at Prestwick, a course that measures 166 yards.
The Longest Hole-In-One Shot: The Guinness world record holder for the longest hole in one golf shot in par 5 is Mike Crean who scored it in 2002 from a distance of 517 yards while using his driver at Green Valley Ranch, helped by the thin air around Denver.
Two Holes-in-One in a Game: At the South African Open in February 2025, Dale Whitnell pulled off something almost impossible, which is two holes-in-one in a single round. At Durban Country Club, he aced the 2nd and 12th holes, defying 67 million to 1 odds to card a 63. He’s only the second player in DP World Tour history to do it, making it a once-in-a-lifetime performance that most pros only dream about.
Tiger Woods’ Hole-In-One at 1997 Phoenix Open: One of the greatest hole in one shots ever made was done by the great Tiger Woods at the Party Hole of TPC Scottsdale.
Michael Block (2023 PGA Championship): In a remarkable turn of events, Michael Block’s hole-in-one during the 2023 PGA Championship was pure magic. He was paired with Rory McIlroy for the final round, the club pro “slam-dunked” his tee shot on the 15th hole, flying it straight into the cup without even a bounce. Block didn’t even see it go in and had to ask Rory for confirmation while the crowd went wild. That ace helped him land a 15th-place finish, the best for a club pro in nearly forty years.
Also Checkout: Ultimate Golf Scoring Terms Guide – ParTeeOf18
Tips to Score An Ace in Golf
While there is no substitute for a perfect swing, a few smart strategies can improve your chances of watching the ball disappear into the cup. A golf hole in one is a combination of precision, timing and a little bit of luck but the right approach can definitely improve your odds.
Getting a hole-in-one starts with picking the right club for the exact distance. Don’t guess or rely on feeling alone. Use a rangefinder or GPS, and match the club to your usual carry distance rather than your best-ever shot. Small misjudgments of even a few yards are enough to take the ball past or short of the hole.
Instead of aiming directly at the flag, focus on a safer landing area around it. A target zone a few feet around the hole gives you more margin for error and still keeps the ball close. Aggressive flag hunting often leads to misses that are just long or short.
A consistent pre-shot routine helps keep your swing repeatable under pressure. Pick your target, visualize the shot and set your alignment before you step in. The more automatic your setup becomes, the less likely you are to make last-second mistakes.
A smooth, committed swing is more effective than a guided or cautious one. Once you’ve chosen the club and line, trust it and swing through without slowing down. Hesitation usually leads to poor contact or loss of direction in golf hole in one situations.
Most hole-in-ones come on par-3 holes, so repeated practice in those yardages helps a lot. Work on your short and mid-iron distances regularly and get comfortable hitting the same yardages under different conditions. The more often you land close, the higher your chances of an ace.
Even with perfect execution there is always an element of chance. A good strike puts you in position, but the final outcome depends on bounce, spin, and green conditions. The goal is to control what you can and consistently give yourself close range opportunities in the scenario of hole in one golf.
At the end of the day, however, making a hole in one is also a numbers game. The more par-3 holes you play, the more opportunities you create for that one perfect shot. Skill can put the ball in the right place, but repetition is what gives luck more chances to show up.
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FAQs
What is an ace in golf?
An ace, or hole in one, occurs when a golfer hits the ball directly from the tee into the cup in a single stroke. It is primarily achieved on par-3 holes due to shorter distances. It is an extremely rare, highly celebrated feat requiring a mix of skill and luck, with odds for amateur golfers around 12,500 to 1.
What is a Condor in Golf?
A condor in golf is an extremely rare score of four strokes under par (-4) on a single hole. It is the rarest bird-themed score in the sport, usually achieved by a hole in one on a par-5 or a two on a par-6. Only 5 documented cases exist in golf history.
How many hole in ones does Tiger have?
Tiger Woods has recorded a total of 20 holes-in-one in his lifetime, with the first occurring at age six. While he has 20 total aces, only three of them occurred during PGA Tour competition (1996 Greater Milwaukee Open, 1997 Phoenix Open, and 1998 Sprint International). His 20th ace occurred in 2018 during a casual round.
Who has the most hole in ones?
Hal Sutton and Robert Allenby hold the record for the most holes-in-one in PGA Tour history, with 10 each in official tournament play since 1983. Miguel Angel Jimenez holds the record on the DP World Tour with 10, while Kathy Whitworth holds the LPGA record with 11.
Does a par 4 hole in one count?
Yes, a hole in one on a par 4 absolutely counts as a valid hole in one (or ace) and is often referred to as an albatross (3-under par). While exceptionally rare, with only one officially recorded in PGA Tour history by Andrew Magee in 2001, it is a legitimate, high-value score.
How many Hole-in-Ones have there been at the Masters?
As of the conclusion of the 2025 tournament, there have been 34 total holes-in-one in the history of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National. While there have been no official tournament aces in 2023, 2024, or 2025, the most recent ace was recorded by Stewart Cink on the 16th hole in 2022.
What are the odds of a hole in one?
For an average golfer, the odds of making a hole in one are roughly 12,000 to 1 to 12,500 to 1 per attempt. These odds improve significantly for skilled players, with low-handicappers seeing 5,000-to-1 odds, while professional golfers have about 3,000-to-1 chances. Aces are most common on shorter par-3 holes.
When did Tiger Woods make his first hole in one?
Tiger Woods made his first-ever hole in one at age 6 on May 12, 1982, at Heartwell Golf Course in Long Beach, California. He was too short to see the ball go in and had to be lifted to confirm the ace before running to the green and leaving his clubs behind.
How many holes in one does Jack Nicklaus have?
Jack Nicklaus has recorded 20 holes-in-one throughout his career, including all practice and friendly rounds. However, he only had three holes-in-one during official PGA Tour events.
How many hole in ones does Phil Mickelson have?
Phil Mickelson has recorded 5 official holes-in-one during his career in PGA Tour tournament competition. While his professional count is widely cited at five, Mickelson made headlines in the golf media guide by claiming a lifetime total of 47 holes-in-one.
How many hole in ones does Scottie Scheffler have?
Scottie Scheffler has recorded 2 official holes-in-one in PGA Tour competition. His first occurred at the 2014 AT&T Byron Nelson while he was still a high school amateur, and his second was during the final round of the 2023 Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club. While these are his only sanctioned tournament aces, Scheffler has mentioned in interviews that his lifetime total, including practice and casual rounds, is approximately 10.
How many hole in ones does Bryson DeChambeau have?
Bryson DeChambeau has recorded one official hole-in-one in professional competition, which occurred at the 2019 Masters on the 16th hole at Augusta National. Notably, DeChambeau has stated this is the only ace of his life, including practice rounds, though he did successfully complete a viral “hole-in-one over his house” challenge in November 2024.
How many Hole in Ones have happened in the PGA history?
There have been over 1300 holes in one recorded in official PGA Tour competition since data tracking began in 1983. In a typical season, the entire field averages approximately 25 to 30 aces across all events, though the single-season record stands at 44, set in 1994. The individual record for the most official career aces on the PGA Tour is 10 which is currently shared by Robert Allenby and Hal Sutton.
