Rick Reilly Steals A Hole-In-One

[Kyle]

I haven't been a huge fan of Rick Reilly since he signed on with ESPN, but I find him to definitely be at his best lately when he's writing about golf. In his latest piece, he documents his cheater-quest to steal himself a hole-in-one by overtaking a par three course and not taking no for an answer. I don't have a hole-in-one myself (my stupid dad does though, and you can count on one hand the rounds of golf he's played in his life), but I'm still young and hopeful that I might fluke one in someday. I'm yet to experience this mid-life hole-in-oneless crisis. An entertaining read nonetheless.

[Tom]

My Dad introduced me to the game very early. He has yet to card a 1 in 40+ years of playing.

So I got my first one day in Vegas and called him immediately. He shared in my joy (as much as he could without being there) and we shared a great moment around that feat. By the way I say feat because a hole in one is so much luck I can hardly describe to you. I am sure we all know.

So I get a second one about 2 months later and I called him immediately, again. This conversation went a bit different if I recall correctly;

ME: "BIG MAN...........you will never believe...."

MY DAD: "Let me guess, you got another hole in one?"

ME: "How did you ever guess th......"

MY DAD: "Good job, don't ever call me with that again."

Now maybe this is a bit harsher than it actually was, but he was not as pleased. He is not jealous, but he would love to be able to call ME and have ME share in that with him. To be honest I would love to be able to do that as well.

On a side note, we played Indian Canyon over the last week and I watched my Dad shoot the best round of his life. It could have been something REALLY low, but it was the best score he has ever had.

That ranks as one of the best rounds I have ever been a part of in terms of importance. WAY TO GO DAD!

[Gus]

The problem for Reilly is that it won't count. I have one on a par three course and there is no way that i count it as an official hole in one.

I also had an experience at Echo Falls Golf Club one day on the 9th hole (it is now the 18th) the pin was up and the yardage was about 143 yards. Mind you this is an island green surrounded by water. i said to myself, "Gus, this is an 8-iron, but you better hit a 7 to be safe. I hit the seven to the back of the green and said, "i KNOW it is an 8-iron" so i dropped another ball, hit the 8 and it one hopped into the hole. Moral of the story, go with your gut. By the way there is no way i make the hole in one if i hit the 8 the first time.

[Kyle]

Hahaha. Oh man, Gus, that is brutal. Why is it always the unofficial shots that we hit the best? Still though,that sounds like one heck of a semi-ace. I'd give it to you.

[Tom]

Gus,

Did you declare your first ball lost and take the guaranteed 3?

[Gus]

No I took the chance for the long birdie putt and left it about a foot short. Still got the par.