What Are the Odds of Getting a Hole in One?

Many of us amateur golfers have hit a great shot and wondered, “What are the odds of getting a hole in one?” We’ve all seen those awe-inspiring videos of golfers nailing their tee shots right into the cup for an ace, and we can’t help but wonder what kind of luck (or skill) it must take to pull that off.

According to Golf Digest, the odds of an amateur golfer making a hole in one are 12,500 to 1. For a professional golfer, the odds are closer to 2,500 to 1. But there’s more to getting a hole in one than just luck. A hole-in-one requires the perfect combination of distance and accuracy, and that’s something that even the best golfers in the world struggle with on a regular basis.

A hole-in-one is the ultimate goal for any golfer, and it’s something that we all dream of. In our June medal competition, for example, the Past Lady Captain managed to surprise everyone by nailing her tee shot right into the cup on the 8th hole! This was a fantastic achievement and one that was very much down to her skill as a golfer.

What are the Chances of Making Two Aces in the Same Round?

Now, this is a different cup of tea altogether! The chances of any golfer making two aces in the same round are 67 million to 1. That’s a pretty daunting figure, but it just goes to show that anything is possible in golf.

To be honest with you, you have a better chance of winning the lottery than making two holes in one. But that’s not to say it hasn’t been done before.

In the final round of the Barclays 2015, Brian Harman aced the 3rd and 14th holes. This was a great achievement and one that will live long in the memory.

Can You Skip to a Hole-in-One?

You would think that this is impossible, but it has been done before. John Rahm skips to a hole-in-one on No. 16 at Masters in November 2020.

John pulled off an amazing shot during a practice round at the Masters, skipping his ball across the water before it slowly rolled into the hole for a hole-in-one.

Can Pros Hit Hole-in-One with 50 Balls?

In the video below Tommy Fleetwood and Shane Lowry were challenged to hit a hole-in-one with 50 balls each. Tommy has had around 8 holes in one in his professional golf career and Shane only had 6.

Both golfers seemed to have fun with the challenge and it was great to see two top professionals take on such a difficult task.

After around 15 shots they were getting deeper and deeper with their divots. Shane’s 16th shot stayed on the line and bounced only three inches away from the hole.

Did they make it in the end? You’ll have to watch the video to find out!

How About a Hole In One with 500 Balls?

Rick Shiels got inspired by the DP Tour Video above and created his own challenge but this time with 500 balls.

Rick took on the challenge at MacDonald Portal Golf Club on Par 3, 14th Hole (132 yards, white tees). The aim of this was to try and beat the odds of a professional golfer making a hole in one (2,500 to 1).

The first 50 balls were easy enough as he was just warming up, he then took off his jumper and hit another 50 shots, one of them almost went in (skip to 3min 1 sec).

Initially, he was hitting his 46-degree pitching wedge but changed his tactics after 150 shots and chose 9 iron for an easier swing.

He now has blisters on his hand from all the shots. He has hit 199 shots and still no luck, his ankle is hurting too.

Will he beat the odds and make a hole-in-one…

How do You Celebrate a Hole-in-One?

Well, simply put, a hole in one is cause for celebration! Whether you’re an amateur or a professional golfer, sinking that perfect shot is an amazing feeling.

For amateurs, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime event (hopefully) and the tradition is to buy your fellow golfers a round of drinks at the 19th hole.