My first hole in one was the day before my birthday in 2022. It was such a foul shot it shouldn’t have even happened. I mean the shot defied gravity, physics, and logic- yet still found the hole. While I was excited for the hole in one, it was hard to celebrate the story.

That all changed this year. The day after my anniversary, on December 8th, 2025 at TPC Tampa Bay’s #6. A short par 3, measuring 126 yards. That’s about what I can get out of a PW, but with a little wind in our face, I was pretty certain I’d come up a little short, but thought with a well struck ball, I’d still be on the green inside 30 feet.

The ball was perfect. Swing was slow and deliberate (I struggle here), and if my ball had a big enough shadow, it would have covered the flag from the moment it left the tee… Tracking… tracking… My partner says, “Man that’s gonna be good.” I affirm, and say “yea I liked that when it left the club”. Fortunately my friend remembered to talk to it, and said “get in”, and the ball obliged. One hop and a drop. It was “made for TV” good, and finally I have the story to go with the shot.

So, now, I feel like I should play a round the day before and after every special occasion, because the data supports it - I’m not 100% sure my wife will, but here’s to hoping!