A round of golf at Royal Liverpool Golf Club has produced one of the most remarkable golfing stories of the year. Two friends achieved a hole in one on the very same hole during the same round. The astonishing feat has been described as having odds of around 17 million to one. It is the kind of golfing moment most players could only dream about.
Long time friends Rob Davis and David Lewis have played golf together for more than three decades. Both golfers stepped onto the 15th tee at Royal Liverpool expecting nothing more than another enjoyable round. What happened next left fellow golfers stunned. It also created a story that is likely to be retold for many years to come.
For most golfers, a single ace is a once in a lifetime achievement. Many players never manage one at all despite decades of playing. For two golfers to achieve the feat on the same hole is extraordinary enough. For it to happen within minutes of each other takes the story to another level.
A hole in one nobody could see
The incredible moment happened on the 107 yard par three 15th hole. With the flag positioned towards the back of the green, both players selected pitching wedges. Rob was first to play and immediately struck a shot that looked promising. However, neither golfer could see exactly where the ball finished.
Rob, who plays off a handicap of 10.8, initially believed his ball had bounced away from the hole. The contours of the green prevented a clear view of the pin. Although he knew the ball had struck the flag, he assumed it had rolled into the fringe. There was little reason for celebration at that point.
David’s effort looked equally impressive from the tee. Like Rob’s shot, it disappeared from view near the flagstick. Once again, nobody could confirm exactly where it had finished. The mystery only grew as the group made their way towards the green.
The moment that left everyone speechless
As the players approached the putting surface, something unusual became clear. Neither ball was visible anywhere on the green. Their playing partners immediately realised something special might have happened. The group headed towards the hole to investigate.
What they discovered left everyone stunned. Both golf balls were sitting inside the cup. The golfing equivalent of lightning striking twice had happened right before their eyes. Even the players themselves struggled to process what they were seeing.
Rob described the moment as completely surreal. He said one of their playing partners encouraged them to walk to the hole together. Seeing both balls in the cup at the same time created an unforgettable memory. The pair simply shook hands and tried to take it all in.
Celebrations begin at Hoylake
Once the shock began to wear off, the celebrations quickly started. The pair headed to the famous Spike Bar at Royal Liverpool Golf Club. Drinks were purchased and stories were shared with fellow golfers. News of the remarkable achievement spread rapidly around the clubhouse.
The golfers then visited the professional shop to tell the team what had happened. Staff immediately recognised the significance of the achievement. Photos and scorecards were requested straight away. The club was keen to share the story with members and followers.
It did not take long for the story to attract attention beyond the clubhouse. Golfers everywhere understand how difficult it is to make a hole in one. Many spend decades chasing the perfect shot without success. This story somehow managed to double the achievement in a matter of minutes.
One golfer had done it before
For David Lewis, who plays off a handicap of 7.1, the ace was actually his second career hole in one. His first came around 12 years ago on another hole at Hoylake. While that achievement was special, it came with one major regret. He never got to keep the golf ball.
David revealed he forgot to swap the ball out after making his first ace. A few holes later, the same ball disappeared into the gorse. Despite searching, it was never found again. It remains one of the great golfing what if moments.
This time, he had no intention of making the same mistake. The treasured ball was quickly set aside for safekeeping. After all, a hole in one is memorable enough. A double ace shared with a close friend deserves even greater protection.
A friendship built over 30 years
The story becomes even more remarkable when considering the friendship behind it. Rob and David have played golf together for more than 30 years. They have shared countless rounds, competitions and golfing memories. Yet nothing compares to what happened on the 15th hole.
Rob joked that he still needs to decide how to display the ball. He admitted he may need to consult David before arranging any commemorative display. After all, the achievement belongs to both golfers equally. It is a memory that will always connect the pair.
Golf has a unique way of creating unforgettable moments. Sometimes it is a winning putt or a career best score. Occasionally it is a hole in one. Very rarely, it is two friends sharing one of the most unlikely moments the game has ever seen.
England Golf reacts to incredible feat
The achievement has also attracted praise from England Golf. Championships Director James Crampton described the double ace as something truly extraordinary. He noted that many golfers spend their entire lives chasing just one hole in one. These two friends managed to achieve theirs together.
Crampton said the odds alone show how remarkable the feat really is. Statistical estimates place the chances at around 17 million to one. Even among golfing miracles, that is an exceptionally rare event. Few clubs anywhere in the world will ever witness something similar.
While the odds may be almost impossible to comprehend, the memory will be easy to remember. Rob and David now share a story that few golfers could ever match. It is the sort of tale that grows more impressive with every telling. And for once, every word of it is completely true.
