Golfer defies 67m-to-one odds to hit two holes-in-one in the same round

By Daily Mail Reporter
Updated: 09:27 EST, 3 July 2010

A golfer defied odds of 67 million-to-one to hit two holes-in-one in the same round. Mike Courtney, 51, pulled off the amazing feat in a competition.

The odds make it four times more unlikely than winning the Lotto jackpot - which is a 14-million-to-one chance.

The dad-of-three, who plays off a handicap of 11, was ready to call it a day after a shaky start to his round with three pals.

On in 67 million: Mike Courtney defied stratospheric odds to sink two holes-in-one during the same round

On in 67 million: Mike Courtney defied stratospheric odds to sink two holes-in-one during the same round

After nine holes he had dropped 15 shots - but his luck dramatically changed at the 194-yard 10th at Springfield Park Golf Club in Rochdale.

Mike, of Arbory Avenue, Moston, said: 'I'd thought about walking off after shooting 51 on the front nine, but decided to stick with it.

'The reaction from the lads when the first one went in was not printable. The ball bounced before the green, rolled down and just disappeared.

Top of the world: The dad-of-three had come close to giving up on the round after a poor start

Top of the world: The dad-of-three had come close to giving up on the round after a poor start

'It was a fantastic feeling and I must admit the air turned a bit blue.  

'There were high-fives all round and being quite near to the clubhouse and the shop meant a lot of people could hear the commotion and came out to take a look.' 

While most golfers never experience the high of sinking a hole-in-one - known as an ace - it took Mike just six more holes to repeat the trick at the 125-yard 16th.

Mike, a line manager at Shop Direct in Shaw took up the sport five years ago.

He said: 'When I hit it with the eight-iron I thought 'That's not right but at least it's straight. 

Leafy: Mike the toast of the clubhouse at Springfield Park

Leafy: Mike the toast of the clubhouse at Springfield Park

'It took a couple of bounces and disappeared. There was a bit of disbelief among the four of us and we all fell silent.  

'I was just absolutely speechless. When that second one went in it was a very surreal moment, just something you never imagine happening. It only started to sink in later. 

'My dad played golf for many years and managed a hole-in-one twice - but decades apart. Two in the same afternoon was something very special.' 

Mike finished his round on 80 - several shots away from winning the strokeplay competition.

But he was the toast of the clubhouse where he followed the tradition buying everyone a drink.

Mike said: 'I ended up getting two bottles of scotch.   'It hit me in the pocket - but it was worth it!'  

It is the second time in as many months the feat has been achieved. Peter Wafford, 75, sunk the pair of par-three holes-in-one during a veterans match at Chigwell Golf Club, in Chigwell, Essex.

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