When a Robot Named After Tiger Woods Flushed a Hole-in-One at the Iconic Phoenix Open’s 16th Hole

Published 02/13/2022, 7:29 AM EST

A hole-in-one is always special for any golfer. For many, it is a once-in-a-lifetime shot, never to be replicated again in their careers. On the PGA Tour, however, it’s not just players who are making these iconic hole-in-ones.

Back in 2016, a Tiger Woods-inspired robot shot an ace while at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. The feat remains iconic, with fans often going back to revisit the moment.

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A robot inspired by Tiger Woods once made a hole-in-one

Six years ago, a robot named after Tiger Woods – LDRIC – chose to make some golf history with its ace on Hole 16. To this day, the entire event is remembered by fans fondly. Furthermore, Woods’ absence at the WM Phoenix Open this year only has fans remembering Woods and his iconic moments related to him while at TPC Scottsdale.

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Having said that, the name LDRIC is a reference to Woods’ name Eldrick. The robot was made by Gene Parente, Golf Laboratories Inc,’s owner. Though it is to honor Woods’ name, it actually means Launch Directional Robot Intelligent Circuitry. Pretty iconic, LDRIC is now used as a means to test out more prototypes.

Interestingly, the robot was made for a 163-yard shot. “All hell broke loose. It’s a fun memory to relive every year,” Parente said, remembering all the flying beer cans. Moreover, many fans present at TPC Scottsdale ended up throwing alcohol following that hole-in-one.

Woods’ own hole-in-one at TPC Scottsdale

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Woods’ own ace is actually from 1997, which only furthered his growing popularity. He made the shot with a 9-iron. No matter what Woods chooses to do, his hole-in-one will remain one of the best TPC Scottsdale has ever seen.

Additionally, Woods won’t be playing at the Phoenix Open this year. Still recovering, Woods last played the PNC Championship with his son Charlie. As per some reports, Woods will be back at the Genesis Invitational later this month.

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What do you think of the robot making an ace while at the WP Phoenix Open? Let us know.

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Written by:

Devika Pawar is a Golf and NBA writer at Essentially Sports. A psychology graduate from KJ Somaiya, Devika has an experience with sportswriting at Republic World for around two years now. She loves NBA a little too much, and is a dedicated Golden State Warriors fan.

When a Robot Named After Tiger Woods Flushed a Hole-in-One at the Iconic Phoenix Open’s 16th Hole

A robot inspired by Tiger Woods once made a hole-in-one

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Woods’ own hole-in-one at TPC Scottsdale