Historic Golf Feat: Dale Whitnell Achieves Two Holes-in-One at South Africa Open

English golfer Dale Whitnell makes history with two holes-in-one during the South Africa Open, a rare occurrence in professional golf.

In an extraordinary display of skill and precision, English golfer Dale Whitnell achieved two holes-in-one during the second day of the South Africa Open at Durban Country Club. Whitnell aced the 179-yard second hole and followed it with another on the 149-yard 12th hole. Initially, Whitnell wasn't even aware the first shot had gone in until he heard the cheers from the spectators below.

This rare accomplishment was a first for Whitnell, who had never previously made a hole-in-one in competitive play. 'It's a weird feeling, everything in one. I was excited and adrenalin was pumping, but I had to focus on my job and managed to do that OK,' Whitnell shared with the DP World Tour. The odds of making two holes-in-one in the same round are staggering at 67 million to one, according to the US-based National Hole-in-One Registry.

Whitnell's performance didn't stop there; he immediately followed his first hole-in-one with an eagle and was pursuing a record 13-under-par 59 until a double bogey on the 16th hole. His final score for the day was a remarkable 63, beating his previous round by nine shots.

This historic achievement places Whitnell in the same league as John Hudson, the only other Englishman to achieve two holes-in-one in the same round during professional competition, back in 1971. Additionally, American Frank Bensel Jr replicated this feat at the 2024 US Senior Open, demonstrating the extraordinary nature of Whitnell's accomplishment. Whitnell’s phenomenal round not only highlights his skill but also underscores the unpredictable and thrilling nature of golf.

What to Read Next

Cara Gainer Ties for Lead at Evian Championship: A Major Breakthrough
Golf

Cara Gainer Ties for Lead at Evian Championship: A Major Breakthrough

Cara Gainer shares the lead at the Evian Championship after a stellar third round, positioning herself for a potential first major win.

Rory McIlroy's Electrifying Performance at The Open: A Thrilling Journey at Royal Portrush
Golf

Rory McIlroy's Electrifying Performance at The Open: A Thrilling Journey at Royal Portrush

Experience Rory McIlroy's captivating performance at The Open Championship, where he delivered a thrilling round of 66, leaving the Royal Portrush crowd in awe.

Christiaan Bezuidenhout: From Near-Death to Golf Stardom
Golf

Christiaan Bezuidenhout: From Near-Death to Golf Stardom

Discover the inspiring journey of Christiaan Bezuidenhout, from a near-fatal rat poison incident to becoming a leading figure in professional golf.

Mastering the Links: Experience and Strategy at Royal Portrush Open Championship
Golf

Mastering the Links: Experience and Strategy at Royal Portrush Open Championship

Explore how seasoned golfers leverage experience and strategy at the challenging Royal Portrush during the Open Championship.

Understanding the Cut Line in Golf: A Comprehensive Guide to Tournament Play
Golf

Understanding the Cut Line in Golf: A Comprehensive Guide to Tournament Play

Explore the significance of the cut line in golf tournaments, its impact on player earnings, and historical changes in rules. Learn how the cut line shapes the final rounds of major golf events.

Exploring the Legacy and Challenge of Links Golf Courses
Golf

Exploring the Legacy and Challenge of Links Golf Courses

Discover the unique characteristics and historical significance of links golf courses, the traditional battlegrounds of The Open Championship.

Oakmont's Brutal Challenge: Montgomerie Reflects on 1994 US Open Heartbreak
Golf

Oakmont's Brutal Challenge: Montgomerie Reflects on 1994 US Open Heartbreak

Colin Montgomerie recalls the brutal challenge of Oakmont at the 1994 US Open, reflecting on his near-miss and the course's enduring toughness.

Triumph Over Adversity: Mark Marshall's Journey to One-Armed Golf World Championship
Golf

Triumph Over Adversity: Mark Marshall's Journey to One-Armed Golf World Championship

Discover how Mark Marshall overcame personal tragedy and physical challenges to become the one-armed golf world champion.

Nathan Kimsey's Stunning Journey to The Open Championship: A Dream Come True
Golf

Nathan Kimsey's Stunning Journey to The Open Championship: A Dream Come True

Nathan Kimsey shares his disbelief and excitement after qualifying for The Open Championship, marking a significant milestone in his golf career.

Rory McIlroy's Quest for Fun and Focus at the 2025 Scottish Open
Golf

Rory McIlroy's Quest for Fun and Focus at the 2025 Scottish Open

Rory McIlroy shares his renewed focus on enjoying life and golf as he prepares for the 2025 Scottish Open, aiming for his second title in three years.

Youtuber Peter Finch Eyes Open Glory Amidst Golf's Elite
Golf

Youtuber Peter Finch Eyes Open Glory Amidst Golf's Elite

Popular YouTuber Peter Finch aims to secure a spot at the 153rd Open, competing against top golfers in a thrilling qualifier at Dundonald Links.

Rob Wheeler Aims to Emulate Justin Rose's Success in The Open Championship
Golf

Rob Wheeler Aims to Emulate Justin Rose's Success in The Open Championship

Amateur golfer Rob Wheeler is determined to follow in Justin Rose's footsteps as he advances to final qualifying for The Open Championship.

Thitikul Dominates as Hull Shines with Record Second Round at Women's PGA Championship
Golf

Thitikul Dominates as Hull Shines with Record Second Round at Women's PGA Championship

Thitikul leads the Women's PGA Championship while Charley Hull scores the lowest second round, highlighting a challenging day in Texas.

Rory McIlroy's US Open Preparations Hampered by Driver Woes
Golf

Rory McIlroy's US Open Preparations Hampered by Driver Woes

Rory McIlroy expresses concern over his form ahead of the US Open following driver struggles at the Canadian Open.

JJ Spaun Clinches US Open Victory with Stunning 65-Foot Putt
Golf

JJ Spaun Clinches US Open Victory with Stunning 65-Foot Putt

JJ Spaun secured a thrilling US Open victory with a remarkable 65-foot putt, defeating Robert MacIntyre in a dramatic finale.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.