For any golfer, a hole-in-one is a pipe dream that often never becomes a reality.
But for four local golfers, one of life’s rare events occurred four times in a matter of weeks.
Across the new year period four hole-in-ones were scored at Shepparton Golf Club with the first hit by Greg Van Riet on December 23.
“(I used) an 8-iron,” he said. “Nice high shot, kept my head down and bum up... I watched it bounce and spin back into the hole.”
Van Riet’s shot was soon followed by Robyn Woodhouse on New Year’s Day.
“Just hit a 4-hybrid and it just went straight, bounced and went in the hole,” Woodhouse said. “Hopefully, it’s a good sign for the new year.”
Next was Col Phillips, who hit his ace on January 9.
“(I used a) 7-iron on the 12th,” he said. “Absolutely creamed it. Straight as a die up in the air. I didn’t see it land in the hole, but once I did, it was, ‘yes!’”
Finally, James Faram - who happens to work for the golf course - finished off the quartet five days later.
“(I used an) 8-iron drifted in with the wind and was just perfect,” he said. “I lost my marbles.”
Although this event is a rare occurrence, it was the remarkable third time Van Riet has hit a hole-in-one. The first was at Jubilee Golf Course and the second on the 12th hole at Shepparton.
Every golfer that hits a hole-in-one at Shepparton Golf Course receives a trophy with the ball they hit attached to the top, a gold putter and their name on the honour board.
While these rewards are appreciated, Van Riet believes the best part about achieving the rare feat is the simple tradition that everyone shouts you a drink when you get back to the clubhouse.
Meanwhile, 37-year-old Faram admitted that he is trying to ride his luck after his great golfing feat.
“I bought a lottery ticket this week,” he said.
In Woodhouse’s case, she received an extra prize on top of those already stated as she won $255 on the Eagles Nest - a competition where the club puts $5 a week in a pot until somebody hits an eagle.
Woodhouse also revealed that within this motley crew there was a long standing connection between herself and Phillips.
Both attended Congupna Primary School at the same time and have played in premiership teams together at Congupna Tennis Club.
Shepparton Golf Club spokesperson Liam Ridd believes this is the only time in the golf club’s history that an event like this has occurred, except for when two hole in ones were struck on the same day back in 2014.