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21 Times a Hole-in-One Absolutely Doesn’t Count

Published

4 years ago

May 19, 2021

Holes-in-one, whether you’ve had a bunch of them or are still chasing that elusive first (like our resident writer Alan Shipnuck) are great fun. It’s part of the fabric of golf; something we all strive for. So much so that we’ll even bend the rules ever-so-slightly in pursuit of one. But I’m sorry, that stuff won’t fly around these parts.

Holes-in-one are special because they’re so rare. There aren’t any shortcuts. It’s why I’ve put together this handy list outlining all the times making a hole-in-one absolutely doesn’t count.

1. After A Mulligan

Sad, but true. Let’s say you’re playing a par 3, shank one into the water, drop a sneaky mulligan down with the consent of your playing partners, and knock it in the hole. A fun story, no doubt, but it doesn’t count as a hole-in-one. Proper holes-in-one need to have a legitimate, USGA-abiding score attached to them.

2. After A Penalty Shot

Similar to the one above, the only difference is that, technically speaking, you do register a score that would hold muster with the USGA. The only problem is that if you knock one in the water, re-tee then knock it into the hole, it can’t be a hole-in-one because it’s literally not a hole-in-one. It’s a hole-in-three. Just another par, in the black and white on the scorecard.

It also violates another rule of mine…

3. Multiple Attempts On The Same Hole

I love the European Tour’s hole-in-one videos. Love them. But when you have that many attempts with no actual score attached to the end of it, and when you’re standing in front of the golf gods at the pearly gates of golf heaven, this won’t go down as an *actual* hole-in-one.

4. On A Par-3 Course

Yes, technically you are playing an actual course and registering a legitimate score, but there’s something about it that doesn’t feel right. True holes-in-one are registered on golf courses where par 3s are few-and-far between.

5. Temporary Green

This is a little harsh because there’s not really much the player themselves can do about it, but temporary greens present all kinds of problems. The grass almost never actually resembles that of an actual green, and the holes can often be cut incorrectly. The yardage gets thrown off along the way; not exactly the fairest platform for claiming a hole-in-one.

6. In a Golf Simulator

I love golf simulators, and living in New York City, use them all the time to get my golf fix in. I’ve actually made a hole-in-one on a simulator once. Do I go around claiming it as an actual hole-in-one? No, I don’t, because it’s not an actual hole-in-one.

7. Scramble

If there’s a common theme among all these things, it’s that holes in one need to be registered in legitimate, law-abiding rounds that the USGA would approve of counting toward your handicap. A scramble, fun as they are, doesn’t fit that criteria.

8. When You Play An Odd Number Of Holes

Play three holes and make a hole in one on one of them? Then play the final six holes to get your nine-hole score. I’m not sure holes-in-one can exist in isolation; they need to be part of a larger round, either 9 or 18.

9. When Somebody Else Knocks In Your Ball For You

This one should be obvious. You hit your ball on the green, perhaps close to the hole, then your buddy in the group ahead putts your ball into the hole for you. Hilarious! But not an actual hole in one.

10. Signing An Incorrect Card

This one is savage, but if you’re playing in a tournament and make a hole-in-one, only for your playing partner to mark it incorrectly on a scorecard you end up signing. Technically speaking — and heartbreakingly so — that’s no longer an official hole-in-one.

11. When You’re Not Keeping Score

You’re out there, having fun, playing a casual round and taking a few mulligans along the way. Then, you waltz up to a par 3 and knock it in the hole. It violates my rule of a hole-in-one needing to be a part of a legitimate round.

You could go back and count up your score, of course, but that presents a different problem.

12. After a Breakfast Ball

Alright, so you’re on the first tee, blow one out of bounds, take a customary breakfast ball and pipe it down the middle. Let’s say that’s your only mulligan of the day. Fast forward a few holes and you make a hole-in-one. This round wouldn’t hold up in a tournament, so does this hole-in-one count? No comment.

13. Double Green, Wrong Pin

Can’t make a hole-in-one on a hole that isn’t the one you’re playing. Simple.

14. In Front Of Tee Markers

It’s the Rules of Golf. If you tee off from in front of the tee markers, it’s not a legitimate shot. Would take a bold playing partner to call that on you, though.

15. Wrong Tee Markers

See above.

16. Borrowed Club

You grab your buddy’s club and knock it in the hole. Alas, that violates the Rules of Golf. So nice shot! But not a hole in one.

17. Bonus Holes

A fair amount of golf courses have bonus holes to help players settle bets, and they’re usually par 3s. Let’s say you’re all-square in a match after 18, so you play a bonus hole and make an ace. Great job, and even better story. But is that an official hole-in-one? Eh.

18. Using An Illegal Club

This doesn’t just not count, it’s also cheating. For shame!

19. If It’s Embedded Against The Lip

This one’s already been settled. It’s not a hole-in-one, because it’s embedded against the lip.

20. Miniature Golf or Video Game Golf

This one should be so obvious I’m not even going to bother explaining why.

21. Grounds For Any Other DQ

The common theme here is that true holes-in-one count only during legitimate, complete rounds which could count toward your handicap. We’ve tried outlining some of the most common ones, but wanted to include this catch-all for any others we have have missed.

By Luke Kerr-Dineen on Golf.com

Blog

How Weather Shapes the Game of Golf

The wind roared across Royal Troon, but the spirit of one determined golfer proved unshakable, a testament to the resilience that defines the game.

Published

5 hours ago

December 22, 2024

Robert Greenfield

It was a day that began like any other at Royal Troon, the sea breeze whispering across the links as early morning dew sparkled under the Scottish sun. But as the players teed off, the skies turned darker, and the wind began to roar—a ferocious, unrelenting force that turned the course into a battlefield.

A Test of Skill and Resilience

In the world of golf, weather is the great equalizer. It can humble the strongest players, turning even a simple par-four into an epic struggle. That day at Royal Troon was no exception. As the wind howled, the carefully groomed fairways became a treacherous maze. Players who had practiced their swings tirelessly found themselves grappling with gusts that sent their drives veering unpredictably.

Among them was a young competitor named Callum, playing his first Open Championship. Watching from the stands, I marveled at how this newcomer faced the elements with unyielding determination. His drives sliced through the gale with a low trajectory, and his putts danced on the greens, refusing to be dictated by the storm. Callum wasn’t just playing golf; he was wrestling with the very soul of the course.

A Battle of Wits and Nature

Weather has always been an integral part of the game. At St. Andrews, golfers often contend with rain showers that come as suddenly as a whispered secret. At Augusta, the swirling winds around Amen Corner have broken many a championship dream. But it is on the windswept links of the British Isles where weather becomes a character in the story, its presence felt in every decision, every shot.

That day, Callum made his stand. On the infamous 8th hole—The Postage Stamp—where the green is small and the stakes high, his precision was a sight to behold. The crowd held its breath as he selected his wedge, adjusted for the gale, and executed a shot that landed softly, mere feet from the pin. It was a masterstroke, the kind that resonates long after the final score is recorded.

A Lasting Memory

Callum didn’t win that day. But as the storm cleared and the sun broke through, his courage and adaptability left an indelible mark on all who watched. Weather had tested him, and though the elements won the round, they couldn’t extinguish the fire of a player determined to rise.

Golf isn’t just about clubs and courses. It’s about moments like these—when players confront nature’s raw power and find within themselves the skill, resilience, and courage to keep going. The wind roared that day, but so did Callum’s spirit, echoing across the links and into the hearts of everyone present.

Blog

Maintenance during the off season

Published

5 days ago

December 17, 2024

Resident PGA Pro

Ever wonder what kind of repairs you can do to keep your clubs in shape during the off season?

Many of us find the grips on our clubs starting to wear down and nothing brings new life into your older clubs like a new set of grips.

Don’t worry, you don’t have to spend a small fortune having someone else do this for you, this handy DIY video by Coach Lockey will show you how to replace your grips at home. Click below and have a watch. Then see some of our suggestions for new grips you can buy today.

Blog

Last-Minute Gift Ideas for Golfers

Published

6 days ago

December 16, 2024

The BLOG MAN

Hey there, golf fans and last-minute shoppers! Can you believe it? We’re down to just 9 days until Christmas, and this year, Hanukkah also starts on the 25th, too! If you’ve got a golfer in your life, the clock is ticking to grab that perfect gift. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with some amazing last-minute ideas that will arrive in time, thanks to Amazon’s super-fast shipping.

So, skip the stress and check out these top picks that will make any golfer light up like the holiday tree or menorah this year. Let’s dive in!

1. Callaway Supersoft Golf Balls

Golfers can never have too many golf balls, and Callaway’s Supersoft is one of the best around. Known for its soft feel and incredible distance, it’s perfect for players of all skill levels. Plus, it’s an easy, no-brainer gift that any golfer will appreciate.

Why it’s great:

Affordable and high-quality
Available in fun colors like yellow and matte pink
Ready to ship and arrive before the holidays

👉 Buy Callaway Supersoft Golf Balls on Amazon

2. PuttOut Pressure Putt Trainer

Help the golfer in your life sharpen their short game with this ingenious training tool. The PuttOut Pressure Putt Trainer is compact, effective, and ideal for indoor practice—perfect for winter days away from the course.

Why it’s great:

Builds confidence in putting
Lightweight and portable
A hit among golfers of all levels

👉 Buy PuttOut Pressure Putt Trainer on Amazon

3. Golf Trunk Organizer

This gift is a game-changer for staying organized. The Samsonite Golf Trunk Organizer is perfect for stashing shoes, gloves, tees, and other golf gear in one tidy place. It’s functional, practical, and will earn you big points for thoughtfulness.

Why it’s great:

Keeps gear neat and ready for action
Fits easily in any car trunk
Arrives quickly with Prime shipping

👉 Buy Samsonite Golf Trunk Organizer on Amazon

4. Titleist Players Golf Glove

A good golf glove can make all the difference in grip and comfort, and Titleist is a trusted brand. This premium glove is a simple yet thoughtful gift that will see plenty of use on the course.

Why it’s great:

High-quality construction
Comfortable fit and feel
Available for fast shipping

👉 Buy Titleist Players Golf Glove on Amazon

5. Garmin Approach G12 GPS Rangefinder

For the tech-savvy golfer, the Garmin Approach G12 is a small but mighty gadget that provides distances to the green, hazards, and more. It clips onto a bag or belt, making it easy to use during a round.

Why it’s great:

Compact and accurate
Preloaded with 42,000 courses
Ships in time for the holidays

👉 Buy Garmin Approach G12 on Amazon

6. Funny Golf T-Shirts

Every golfer loves a little humor on the course. A witty golf-themed T-shirt is a fun, budget-friendly option that’s sure to get laughs and compliments.

Why it’s great:

Tons of designs to choose from
Budget-friendly and personal
Many options with next-day delivery

👉 Browse Funny Golf T-Shirts on Amazon

7. Practice Golf Net

A home practice net is a dream for golfers who want to perfect their swing without leaving the house. It’s the gift of endless practice, even in the off-season.

Why it’s great:

Easy to set up in a backyard or garage
Perfect for winter training
Many available for fast delivery

👉 Buy Practice Golf Net on Amazon

Don’t Wait—Act Now!

Time is running out, and the holidays are almost here! These gifts are perfect for golfers and will make it to your doorstep in time, but only if you act fast. Stock is limited, and the closer we get to the big day, the tighter the shipping windows get. Click those links, fill your cart, and cross those gifts off your list today.