By Trevor Jackson
OLI Fox was the talk of the Port MacDonnell Golf Club Saturday when he managed to score a hole-in-one.
Fox is just 10 years old and has been playing golf for the past five years.
He started at the Port MacDonnell club junior program and has continued to develop his skills out on the course, playing most weeks in the Friday night competitions.
When Fox approached the ninth tee on Saturday, he grabbed his hybrid and said “I normally hit this”.
The hole plays 112 metres, requiring a bit of finesse to stop the ball on or close to the green.
Fox placed his tee and lined up his shot, then the group watched as the ball hit the front of the green and rolled directly at the pin, then trickled into the hole.
The cheers were heard by other players around the course for an achievement that is dreamed of by most but only felt by some.
Fox said he had been close to the hole before but “not that close”.
“I land on the green every now and then but not too often,” he said.
“It went straight off the tee, hit the fringe then rolled up to the hole.
“I watched it go into the hole … I was very excited and shocked.”
Fox played his round with three other men, who he said were excited after he hit the tee shot.
“One of the people I was playing with was getting excited before it went in the hole,” he said.
“As soon as it came off the stick I knew it would get somewhere around the green.
“It landed just before the green with enough power and started rolling.
“We all knew it was going to be close but didn’t expect it to go in the hole.”
Fox chose his hybrid club rather than a six iron he would normally use to get a bit more distance.
While it has not been one of his favourite clubs, that has now changed.
“It wasn’t one of my favourite clubs because I always thought I was bad at it but it is my favourite now,” Fox said.
“That is the only hole I have used it off the tee lately.
“I have been hitting a six iron but haven’t been getting the distance with it.”
If there is down-side to the achievement, it is Fox usually plays with his dad, who was playing cricket that day.
However, as the young golfer continues to improve there will no doubt be many other milestones to share.
Fox said he concentrates on golf rather than any other sport, with the simple aim to improve his bad shots and become a more rounded golfer.
He is currently home schooled but will return to class next week and cannot wait to share his experience with his friends.
At the end of the day Fox finished top of the Junior board with 36 points.
He also received a prize for the best front nine with 22 points and nearest to pin (hole-in-one).
During presentations on Sunday, Fox was awarded his score card framed and $100 from the hole-in-one sponsor South East Driveshafts and Balancing.
In a statement, the Port MacDonnell Golf Club said it is proud of Fox and wish him all the best for the rest of the season and coming years.
