The 2023 Ryder Cup has finally come to an end. With Europeans having claimed the title once again on their home turf, the gameplay at Marco Simone witnessed phenomenal competition from both sides. While the Americans looked completely dominated by the men in yellow and blue, the story on the third day showcased a glimpse of the talent of the American front. However, while the tournament has concluded, the excitement concerning it remains.

Hence, it is a no-brainer for golf lovers to want to know more about this coveted event. From specific shots to a particular accessory, nothing misses the lens of the spectators. The prime example of this is the almost hole-in-one bagged by Jon Rahm. The precision, timing, and misluck of the shot turned many heads along with the question: Has there ever been an ace made in Ryder Cup history?

The six historic hole-in-ones

While hole-in-one is an achievement in itself, the execution of this shot at the Ryder Cup just multiplies this accomplishment. That is exactly what might have been the experience for the following six golfers who were able to register this feat.

1-Scott Verplank and Paul Casey in 2006 were the two golfers who were able to score a hole-in-one at K Club. On one hand, Verplank was the only USA golfer who was undefeated that week. On the other hand, Casey’s 14th-hole ace on Saturday foursomes helped him and David Howell beat the Americans. This eventually led to a whopping victory for the Europeans with a 9-point lead.

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2-Howard Clark in 1995 was able to give competition to his fellow teammate Costantino Rocca, who had earlier at Oak Hill carded an ace. While Europeans did go on to win the cup with 14½-13½, the reaction of these two professionals toward their spectacular shot display couldn’t have been more different. Where, on one hand, Clark looked “pretty scrambled” and just patted his frantic heart. On the other hand, Rocca overtly displayed his joy, calling the shot “beautiful and sensational.”

3- There isn’t arguably more iconic hole-in-one than Nick Faldo‘s at the Belfry in 1993. The usual reaction of surprise and delight for the golf legend was more of an anticipation. He had earlier predicted with his teammates that he would for sure execute an ace.

4- The first hole-in-one in the history of the Ryder Cup came in 1973 from Peter Butler‘s club, almost 46 years after its inception. Even though he lost to Jack Nicklaus and Tom Weiskopf, the 16th-hole ace at Muirfield will always be inscribed as the first hole-in-one at the Ryder Cup.

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Since 2006, none of the golf athletes have been able to come close to this iconic feat. However, two players—Jon Rahm and Viktor Hovland— did come close to achieving it at the 2023 Ryder Cup event. Let’s look at the story that went behind the shots.

Hole-in-one and Europeans’ potluck

No doubt the European contingent went ahead and claimed yet another glorious victory on their home soil. While they struck gold in terms of victories and shot execution, the same couldn’t be said for the aces that were almost executed.

First, it is Viktor Hovland who in fact made an ace. Alas! It came a day prior to when the actual competition commenced. During the practice round, the 26-year-old Norwegian hit the shot at par 4 fifth hole, and it rolled right into the hole. Initially confused, the young athlete eventually broke out into a big smile as his teammates hyped him up for his brilliant execution.

Second, a potluck was experienced on Friday. This time it was the 2023 Masters winner Jon Rahm who, even though it was official day, missed the ace as the ball hit the flag placed in the hole. Post the ball was struck, the anticipation turning into disappointment was clearly visible on the golfer’s face.

Rahm may have been unlucky with his hole-in-one attempt but he would take a lot of consolation from the fact that he was eventually part of the winning team. Personal achievements don’t matter much when one is part of a team, a winning team.

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