Now that’s just RIDICULOUS!!!
We at US Hole In One stumbled over a very interesting article that was posted by the Associated Press on July 1, 2009. Ricky Langston of Greenville, Alabama might have had the best 18 hole stretch of his life. According to the Associated Press Ricky got “three holes-in-one in the month of June at Greenville Country Club.”The good thing about the holes in one is that they were not obscure. Courtesy of the report we learned that Ricky “plays regularly with a large group of golfers. At least nine people witnessed each shot and three people witnessed all three.”
The magic began on June 3 when Langston holed out the 142-yard No. 8 using an 8-iron. Then just when he didn’t think it was possible for him to do it again, he aced the 165-yard No. 4. All it took was 8 days and a well struck 6 iron to get his next hole in one. I wonder what was going through his mind at that time.
Shortly after that euphoric moment, he did it again. Yes he completed a hat trick of holes in one. Not one, two, but three holes in one in the space of 18 days. On June 20, Langston holed the 155-yard No. 6. using an 8-iron. The Associated press sums this all up when they say “three weeks, three aces, three different holes.” The final hole in one on June 20 had a special bonus though. The Associated press reports that, “Langston's wife, Angie, was riding in the cart with him.”
Ricky Langston has to be one of the luckiest people around. Millions of avid golfers have played golf for several years and never got a hole in one. Ricky Langston got three holes in one in 18 days. Now that’s just remarkable. I’ll bet he wishes there was a prize on at least one of those holes!
United States Golf Register – The Official Hole In One Golf Register
A lot of people have gotten holes in one, but who records them all? Well, the United States Golf Register is responsible for this. Their website, www.usgolfregister.org, dubs them as being “nation's official historical registry of holes in one.” Furthermore, their mission is to document and archive holes in one, and to distinguish those who have achieved this extraordinary accomplishment. The US Golf Register, in its own words, is devoted to preserving history with each hole in one, and in recording the significance of the achievement as a historical record. What’s even better is that they do not charge any registration fees or dues.
This organization was founded in Shreveport, Louisiana in 1998. The United States Golf Register firmly believes that every hole in one should be registered because “a witnessed hole in one is a history making event!” Once you register “your hole in one is assigned an official registration number and is then recorded in the US Golf Register historic registry. US Golf Register forwards its archives to The USGA library annually.” Also, “past holes in one made within the United States and its territories are eligible for registration no matter the date.”
They also offer some interesting quick facts on holes in one. A gentleman by the name of Norman Manley has the most documented holes in one. According to the website he has made 59 aces, his first ace was in 1964, and in 1979 he made four holes in one. The longest hole in one was made on the 517 yard par 5 9th hole at the Green Valley Ranch Golf Club by Michael J. Crean of Denver, Colorado. The altitude had to of made that possible! Finally the oldest documented person to make a hole in one was Harold Stilson who was 101 years old at the time. He hit a 4 iron on the 108 yard 16th at Deerfield CC on May 16th 2001. A lot of golfers hit a short iron, let alone a 4 iron from this distance and still can’t hole it like Mr. Stilson did. However, what most golfers can do is tell their tournament director to use US Hole In One as we offer top quality tournament services. Visit our website www.holeinoneinsurance.com for more details.
The Par 3’s at this year’s US OPEN!
This year’s US Open is going to be an exciting event. Will there be any holes in one? That is the question that we are asking ourselves at US Hole In One. This week’s article will focus on the daunting par 3 holes at Bethpage Black. Thanks to the USGA’s website we were able to come up with some information on these truly challenging holes.
The 3rd hole is the first of four par 3s. It is also the longest par 3. According to the USGA this hole is 232 yards and the tee shot is played to a “diagonally-set green (front right to back left) which makes it fairly shallow in depth.” What’s even worse is that “the putting green falls off in all directions.” This means that the players will have to hit a high shot that will stop quickly otherwise they will find themselves in the unfavorable greenside rough.
Next is the 8th hole which is 230 yards. The USGA have already signaled that this will “likely end up being the most exciting of the par 3s.” An unwelcome pond guards the front of the green. The USGA goes on to say that “two new hole locations now exist in the front that will require players to carefully consider just how aggressive they want to be with their tee shots.” However if a player decides to play conservatively and hit his ball a little long, he will need “deft putting touch coming back down the hill to the front portion of green.” On top of that the USGA “plans to mix up the yardage on this hole from 135 to 230 yards, which means pitching wedges to long irons will be played depending upon the hole location and teeing ground chosen.”
The 14th hole is 158yards and the USGA firmly believe that it should be the “easiest of the four par 3s.” Minor changes have been made to the green in order to make the hole a little bit more challenging. Nevertheless, it is still a birdie hole.
The 207 yard 17th hole is uphill and the green has an “hourglass shape.” The USGA has set this hole up so that “it will require high, soft tee shots if conditions are dry.” This will be a good finishing hole that will test the eventual winner’s nerves. For even more information on the entire course make sure you visit www.usopen.com and click on the top link that says course.
Finally, if you have a Facebook account and you are interested in hole in one insurance we encourage you to become a fan of US Hole In One on Facebook. Trust us when we say that you won’t regret it! We provide affordable hole in one insurance as well as sponsor signs for all types of golf tournaments. Log on now!
2009 US OPEN - Bethpage Black
This year’s national championship will be played at the renowned Bethpage Black golf course in Farmingdale, New York. A.W. Tillinghast designed the layout and according to New York State Park’s website, it is “said by many to be his finest work.” Just before you reach the first tee, there is a sign that warns all golfers that the course is for “skilled players only!” That’s how hard the course plays, and we at US Hole In One encourage you to watch the players try to take on that monster of a course.
The course is just under 7400 yards. The rough is graduated which means that it gets longer as you get further from the fairway. The fairways are narrow and numerous doglegs will make it hard for the players to find the fairways. On top of that the USGA will do their best to make sure that the greens will be nothing short of treacherous.
Tiger Woods is the favorite going into this tournament after his stellar performance at the Memorial. But golf is the most fickle of games and this is always exhibited at the US Open. The US Open is arguably the toughest tournament to win. Great players regularly fall victim to its demanding setup. There is absolutely no room for error. Any errant shot will be severely punished.
Phil Mickleson, who has been away because of his wife’s battle against breast cancer, will be there along with many others. However this tournament has a special addition this year: the vibrant New York crowd! They are known to be rowdy and they showed Sergio no mercy when he used to take a long time to hit his shot, courtesy of his infamous waggle. People in the crowd would vehemently tell him to “hit the ball already.”
So make sure you tune in from June 18th to the 21st. It will be worth it, but before you do that make sure that you tell the tournament staff at your golf club about US Hole In One. We offer the best services in hole in one insurance and sponsor signs. Furthermore, we offer all of this at affordable prices. You can call 888 882 5440 for more information.
Meditation for Better Golf!
Professional athletes are constantly trying to find ways to focus on their game and perform at their peak every moment of competition. Whether it’s a basketball player practicing foul shots all day, an offensive lineman lifting weights, or a golfer at the driving range. But outside issues can often cause athletes to lose focus, and golf is notorious for being a sport that if your head is not in the game, it will show through in your performance worse than any other. A golfer who is constantly worried about issues in his personal life will never be able to relax and completely focus on his game.
So how can the average golfer concentrate on their game and relax? No expensive training or energy drinks are required. All you need is a little quiet time to yourself, which is pretty easy to get if you are out on the golf course. Eastern practices of meditation often referred to as “Zen Meditations,” have been scientifically proven to assist in the development of skills that are key to playing better golf, primarily attention control and relaxed concentration. Tai Chi is also a good way to loosen up before a round of golf, helping a golfer to expel negative energy and thoughts and begin to prepare their mind for the task at hand. These methods are very easy to practice, as they focus on clearing your mind and breathing deeply. So the next time you put a drive into the water hazard, or take an accidental practice swing by missing your ball entirely, remember to take a step back, breath deeply, and most importantly, remember that its just a game. Who knows, the above techniques might just help you achieve that ultimate shot: the hole in one!
Golf Tournament to Benefit Fallen Firefighters
A man in Hudson, Wisconsin named Scott Nelson, a captain for the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport Fire Department is looking to the community to benefit fallen firefighters. In 2008, there were 114 firefighters that died in the line of duty and Nelson is looking to organize a golf tournament for the benefit of fallen firefighters. Hudson was appointed to this responsibility while attending an Annapolis training session. All proceeds from this unique outing will be used to fund the Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
The Fallen Firefighters Foundation was created by Congress, but has been left up to its own devices in regard to fundraising. The purpose of the foundation is to benefit the families of fallen firefighters, but the funds just aren’t there. Through this golf tournament, individuals will be able to tee off for $125. This covers a round of golf, the golf cart, refreshments, awards, and lunch and dinner. There are also a number of other packages that are offered for this amazing golf fundraiser. A sponsorship package is $250. There are packages that are priced up to $2,500.
The leftover funds after paying for hole in one insurance, awards, food, and other expenses will be sent to the Fallen Firefighters Foundation so that families of fallen firefighters can start receiving the benefits that they deserve. Their loved ones gave their lives for the lives of others, so it is time that others give back to the families who have suffered these losses. This golf fundraiser is one step closer to doing that.
This particular event will be held on June 12 at the Kilkarney Hills Golf Club.
Can Anyone Hit a Hole In One?
Ever wonder who is hitting all these holes in one you hear about? Every story about a hole in one when told from the first person viewpoint will sound like a miraculous shot, and they are all special because they are all different. Any golfer can hit a hole in one at any time, but to give you an idea of who your “average” hole in one golfer is, here are some statistics regarding players who have hit a hole in one.
The average handicap of a golfer who hits a hole in one is a 13, but since many professionals have gotten a hole in one, that means many golfers with high handicaps in the 20’s and 30’s also have. 84% of golfers who hit a hole in one are male, which is a stat that is slowly changing as more and more women become involved in the sport. If you are concerned about the ball you are playing with, know that Titleist balls are the most common balls put in for an ace, with 3,433 holes in one recorded. That’s four times more often than the next closest competitors, Nike, Callaway, and Top Flight, each of which have about 800 registered holes in one. And although the average golfer who makes a hole in one is about 44 years old, Tiger Woods hit his first when he was only six years old, so no matter what your age, skill level, or length of time playing may be, know that you too have a chance at the best score possible on a golf hole.
Relay for Life Hosts Golf Tournament
Great things happen through Relay for Life…we all know that. But even Relay for Life needs a little bit of help from other areas. The American Cancer Society has taken great strides because of the annual relay that takes place all around the country.
This time, Relay for Life is sponsoring a golf event, which will appeal to a different group of individuals. For those who prefer golf ahead of walking, this is going to be a great event. This particular golf event will take place on May 14th at The Links at Hiawatha Landing in Apalachin.
As for what kind of money can be expected to be spent in order to become a part of this golf fundraiser, a foursome can register for $340 and an individual for $85. This includes everything from lunch and dinner to your golf cart. For those unable to attend, it is possible to opt for a sponsorship package to sponsor other golfers and to advertise during the event.
Once the shotgun sounds, it will be time for everyone to start playing. As far as what sort of on course contests will be conducted that is still to be determined. We have to assume that they will have hole in one prizes on each par 3 hole and perhaps even a putting contest for one contestant at the end of the day. Even if someone doesn’t win a grand prize during the golf tournament, the golf event is for a good cause and a lot of people are going to have a lot of fun. And there are many who will benefit from the proceeds.
One (or two) for the record books!
Who ever thought someone could finish tied for 30th place and still manage to secure themselves a place in the Master’s Record Book and also earn themselves four pairs of crystal goblets, care of Augusta National Golf Club. And nonetheless, do all this during their first Master’s appearance. That is exactly what Dustin Johnson did during the 73rd Masters held in Augusta, Georgia at the beautiful Augusta National Golf Course. This was Johnson’s first Master’s and will be a very memorable one for sure.
On the 13th and 14th hole on the Augusta National, Johnson shot back to back eagles. Johnson is only the second person to ever hit back to back eagles at Augusta. The first player to do so was Dan Pohl, in 1982, who hit back to back eagles on the same two holes that Johnson made his on. For every eagle, Johnson received a pair of crystal goblets. He had four eagles in all over the course of the tournament.
When Johnson approached hole 13, he was six over for the day and he made a 20 foot putt for his first eagle. At hole 14, Johnson pulled his tee shot and landed in the pine straw under the trees, yet he still managed to pull it out for an eagle. He did not know how good of a shot he hit until he heard the roar of the crowd up ahead, and not your typical close to the pin cheering but instead a sinking an incredible approach shot celebration.
Johnson kept the momentum going and managed a birdie on hole 15. He ended the tournament 1-under par, causing him to tie for 30th place. Now eagles are nice when they come on a par 4 or 5 but not as nice as when it happens on a Par 3. The feeling of hitting a hole in one whether hole in one insurance was purchased or not is simply thrilling.
Couple Breaking World Record of Golf!
Breaking world records in the game of golf doesn’t have to mean getting the lowest score or hitting the longest drive. To prove that point Jonathan and Cathie Weaver made it their goal to break the world record for most rounds played in a year. Between the dates of April 1st and March 31st the Weaver’s have traveled around North America and have played 18 or 36 holes at each stop. Jonathan, 43 and Cathie, 47 traveled in a 36 foot Winnebago and a trailer for their clubs and belongings for the year and paid for all of their own expenses included all greens fees and travel. The Weavers are not only out to break the world record but also want to give a large donation to the Ronald McDonald House, giving the charity all of their proceeds.
So far the Weavers have collected over $500,000 to donate to Ronald McDonald House which is mostly made up from contributions from golf courses, golf clubs from Warrior Custom Golf, and donations from Karbon Golf a golf shirt manufacturer. The trip is still in progress and the Weavers plan to play 437 rounds, which as of now looks like will surpass the record. They will have played in 12 states and 9 Canadian providences and have traveled in their Winnebago over 36,000 miles.
Jonathan and Cathie are obviously both avid golfers and dreamed about taking this trip when they were retired however with the turn of the economy Cathie lost her job and Jonathan being self employed decided what better time than the present! With over 400 rounds of golf under their belt Cathie a handicap of 16 has scored one hole in one on a course in Alabama. Hopefully before their trip is over, Jonathan will be able to match Cathie accomplishment and score an ace for himself!
