Does this count as a hole in 1?

I only had time for 6 holes of practice at my home course so I played 3 balls off each tee to get more shots in. On the final hole, a short 270yd par 4 that 90* doglegs around a pond, I took the direct route over the pond towards a blind green 240yds away. All drives were really good and come to find out the 3rd one I hit was in the hole. Is the a hole in 1 or just a good practice shot?

Just a good practice shot.

Real hole in ones don't count unless you have a completed score card.

you could take the first 2 tee shots as unplayable, so the 3rd tee shot would actually be 5 off of the tee - nice bogey!

But I'd say it counts...

no counter, sorry

otherwise you could stand on par 3's and hit 40 balls all the time, like that Dad and his kid that posted here

James' unofficial criteria for countable ace, relavent points:

You do not need to finish a round for an ace to count, or finish 9. I would draw the line at 3 holes. If, however, money were on the line, even one hole would count.

The ball _must_ be the _first_ ball struck on the given hole. This is true even if you bought a mullie in a scramble; it must be the first ball struck. Unfortunately you sank your third ball.

It is worth noting the lack of a witness. While this doesnt affect your own view of any potential ace, people you tell the story too might not believe you

However, if you're 3/3 on the green from 240, you will make a legit one soon enough!

(don't take any of the above seriously, I'm just having fun)

No, but a good story to tell.

> @gringosurfer said:

> I only had time for 6 holes of practice at my home course so I played 3 balls off each tee to get more shots in. On the final hole, a short 270yd par 4 that 90* doglegs around a pond, I took the direct route over the pond towards a blind green 240yds away. All drives were really good and come to find out the 3rd one I hit was in the hole. Is the a hole in 1 or just a good practice shot?

Only you can decide that, there are no official requirements, but in my opinion it really should be the one and only ball you've played off the tee.

if this were me i would never go out of my way to tell anyone i had a hole in one/get it framed/anything like that BUT if someone asked me if i had a hole in one i would say "yeah, kind of not really..." and explain you played a short par 4 and hit three balls off the tee and the last one went in. Everyone will agree its an awesome shot and neat story but doesnt count as a "real" hole in one.

thanks guys I totally agree that it has to be the 1st ball played off the tee. My friend says it counts but I think it was just a good story to tell!

> @gringosurfer said:

> thanks guys I totally agree that it has to be the 1st ball played off the tee. My friend says it counts but I think it was just a good story to tell!

Like many fish stories, the exact details might become a little fuzzy over time. Feel free to embellish, just don't ever forget the actual truth.

If you have to ask, then no

Nice practice shot

:wink:

A fantastic shot no matter what!

Isn't a hole in 5 given that re-teed twice? JK. I wouldn't count it but its a good story.

> @cardoustie said:

> no counter, sorry

>

> otherwise you could stand on par 3's and hit 40 balls all the time, like that Dad and his kid that posted here

LOL, I remember the video of attempt number "x"!

OP, you could have asked: Does this count as a double eagle / albatross, which is a greater achievement than a mere eagle hole in 1 on a par 3. Nice shot!

FYI from the USGA - I think #2 covers it, though it was a nice shot.

Rule Misc.Validity of Hole in OneQ.

What constitutes the validity of a hole in one?A.

The Rules of Golf do not address the issue of the validity of a hole-in-one. It is up to the Committee to determine whether a hole-in-one is valid. The USGA recommends that a hole-in-one be considered valid:

If made during a round of at least nine holes, except that a hole-in-one made during a match should be acceptable even if the match ends before the stipulated round is completed.If the player is playing one ball; a hole-in-one made in a practice round in which the player is playing two or more balls should not be acceptable.If attested by someone acceptable to the Committee.If made at a hole with a temporary tee and/or putting green in use, even if the Committee did not specifically define the teeing ground with tee-markers; the length of the hole at the time should be stated on any certificate.If made in a "scramble" competition, which is played as follows: A side comprises four players. Each member of a side plays from the teeing ground, the best drive is selected, each member plays a second shot from where the best drive is located, and so on.

If you have to ask, the answer is usually negative.

However, since the USGA has allowed for the use of illegal equipment since the mid 90's & have more recently condoned further cheating disguised as rule changes, I'd say that to claim a hole in one, made on the 3rd ball struck, falls in line w/ USGA standard practices. So, yah, it's a hole in one. Congrats!

Great shot! Practice makes perfect hopefully when it counts.

I'm probably going to regret asking, but care to elaborate on the "allowed use of illegal equipment since the mid 90s" part above?

Given that the USGA dictates the equipment standards, I'm not sure how equipment within those standards could possibly be deemed "illegal", but I'm curious how you came to that conclusion.

I call it good. Drinks for everyone?

One of my 3 aces was playing alone, so I only have 2 "real" HIO. Since you were alone and it was your third shot off that tee, I'd say it's unofficial, but what a hell of a shot!

Still pretty cool that happened on a par 4 of all holes!

I wouldn't count it as a hole-in-one but I wouldn't downplay what you just did. Tell the story just like it is and people will still be fairly impressed.

It's sarcasm.

Is this real life? Oh ok. Then yeah noo.

Wow nice shot! I wouldn’t count if as a hole in one personally but I wouldn’t fault you if you did.

Not an ace, but to hole on off the tee on a 270 par 4 during practice is just as good a story.

No, sorry, but good story!

well, you were player 1, 2 and 3. Player 3 made the hole in one on a par 4 too. Unfortunately, you are player 1. your first ball. :)

need a witness for a hole in one . even the North Korea PM had witnesses for his 18 holes in one. Wonder how he felt after 9 in a row.