Golfer Nick gets hole in one in first round at new club

The 36-year-old was stunned when he walked up to the par three, 16th hole at Highwoods Golf Club in Bexhill last Wednesday (May 13) to find his ball sitting in the cup.

After happily watching his tee shot sail towards the green, 186 yards away, Nick was just looking forward to at least the chance of a par.

"As we got closer to the green, my mate who I was playing with said, 'that's in the hole that is' " said Nick.

"I just couldn't believe it. I thought it was a good shot and I may have a couple of putts but there was no sign of the ball on the green. So I checked the hole and was just so happy to see it.

"To get a hole-in-one on my first round at my new club is so special and something I will never forget.

"I am just a keen, amateur golfer and know some people play a lifetime and never get close. And it was even more special that it was the first chance we had to play after lockdown eased.

"It was just a bit of a relief the bar was still closed as I could have faced quite an expensive round."

Nick, who lays tennis court surfaces for a living, was hoping to bounce back into the game after the lockdown period. He only joined the club on May 6 after starting taking lessons in October.

Highwoods Golf Club general manager Rebecca Prout, said: "I can’t believe in his first ever round as a new member of the club, after the whole country has been unable to play for weeks, Nick gets a hole in one. I have been playing for more than 25 years and only ever had one.

"It is great that new players are accessing the game and becoming members of their local clubs. Following our newsletter and posting it on Facebook, Nick received so many welcome messages from club members it was lovely to see him being made a fuss of and really welcomed into club life

"At the moment playing two ball golf and not being able to gather after the round it might be hard for a new member to get to know people.

"But through the newsletter and social media our members can get a digital welcome and get to know the community of golfers at the club."