An Unforgettable Day for Dale Whitnell
On the second day of the South African Open, English golfer Dale Whitnell experienced a once-in-a-lifetime round at the Durban Country Club. The 36-year-old, who recently achieved his breakthrough on the DP World Tour in the 2023 Scandinavian Mixed, made golfing history by scoring two holes-in-one during the same round. The odds of such a feat are staggeringly high—estimated at 67 million to one—making Whitnell’s performance all the more remarkable. His first ace came on the 179-yard second hole, where he hit a flawless seven-iron in the soft, calm conditions. Immediately following this incredible shot, Whitnell proceeded to make an eagle, setting the stage for even more drama later in the round.
The Double Ace Phenomenon
Whitnell’s second hole-in-one was achieved at the 149-yard 12th hole, further cementing his place in the annals of golfing history. At one point, it seemed as though Whitnell might even shoot a 59, the elusive magic number that has eluded many professional golfers. However, his quest for the record-breaking score faltered when he flew the 16th green and found himself in a tricky situation. Attempting to chip in from an awkward side-hill lie, his clubhead slid under the ball, moving it only a couple of inches. This mishap led to a double-bogey six on the 16th, a stark contrast to his earlier brilliance. Despite this setback, Whitnell managed to sign for a nine-under 63, a score that would have been hard to imagine before the round began.
The Journey to Professional Success
Dale Whitnell’s path to professional golf has been a long and arduous one. He turned professional in 2009 but spent 11 years working his way onto the DP World Tour, a testament to his persistence and dedication. His breakthrough in the 2023 Scandinavian Mixed was a significant milestone, and his performance at the South African Open only adds to his growing reputation. The double aces and his overall score of 63 highlight his ability to perform under pressure and his skill on the greens. Whitnell’s experience of navigating the ups and downs of professional golf has likely prepared him well for the emotional rollercoaster of such a historic round.
Notable Precedents in Golf History
While the odds of making two holes-in-one in the same round are incredibly slim, there have been a few notable instances of this phenomenon in golf history. Englishman John Hudson achieved the feat at the European Tour’s Martini International at Royal Norwich in 1971, proving that such occurrences, though rare, are not unprecedented. Brian Harman, who went on to win the Open Championship in 2023, became the third man to achieve double aces on the PGA Tour at The Barclays in 2015. More recently, Frank Bensel Jr. made back-to-back holes-in-one during the second round of the US Senior Open in Rhode Island. These precedents, while few, show that occasionally, the stars align for players on the professional circuit.
Whitnell’s Reflection on the Historic Round
In his post-round interview, Whitnell expressed a mix of excitement and relief. “I hit a flush seven-iron on the second and I didn’t realise it had gone in until down the bottom they cheered,” he recounted. “It’s a weird feeling. Obviously the adrenaline is pumping but you have to focus on your job and I managed to do that today.” Whitnell’s ability to maintain his composure despite the extraordinary circumstances is a testament to his mental strength. He also noted that he had never recorded a hole-in-one during tournament play, only once in practice at Le Golf National in Paris. “To have two in one day is pretty special,” he added, his words reflecting the magnitude of his achievement.
A Round of Contrasts
Whitnell’s round was a study in contrasts, encompassing a wide range of emotions and outcomes. He experienced the highs of making two holes-in-one and three eagles, but also faced the lows of an air shot, two bogeys, and a double bogey. Despite these setbacks, his final score of nine-under 63 is a remarkable achievement. “I’ve had everything today: an air shot, two bogeys, a double, three eagles and come out nine-under par so I can’t complain,” Whitnell said with a smile. His ability to stay positive and focus on the overall performance is a valuable lesson for aspiring golfers and a reminder that even the most challenging rounds can yield extraordinary results.
