Headline: The MGA's Hole In One Program Continues to Be a Huge Success; Allows Member Golfers to Commemorate The Incredible Feat
For Immediate Release: December 31, 2010
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Tom Hynes shows off the hardware he had made after scoring two Holes in One in less than a month! He also received an official certificate and antiqued brass bag tag (not shown here) as part of the MGA's Hole-In-One Program. |
Norton, MA — In its second full season, the MGA's Hole In One program has proven to be a huge success for golfers across the Bay State!
The MGA's Hole in One program was launched in 2008 in order to recognize those MGA members who score an ace either at home or on the road.
For each hole in one that is submitted to the home office, the MGA provides a Hole-in-One certificate and also sends each golfer a special antiqued brass colored bag tag that includes details about the accomplishment.
In addition to providing MGA Members with a way of commemorating their great achievement, the program has also shed light on some incredible stories.
One great example is Tom Hynes, a 71-year-old member of The Country Club. Although golf was never a part of his youth, Hynes' love affair with the game bloomed during his 40s.
It took 30 years and hundreds of rounds before he finally made his first ace (in January 2009). His most memorable shots, however, came this past fall... less than a month apart. Hynes made a hole in one on September 18th at The Country Club and then followed that up with another on October 17th at Woods Hole Golf Club.
"Hitting those shots within a month is pretty good by any standard," said Hynes. "They were both very different and fun."
On September 18th Hynes, who lives a wedge-shot away from The Country Club, was enjoying a casual walking nine holes by himself. Four holes into the back nine, Dan Sullivan and his caddie joined Hynes. Two holes later – on the 16th hole – Hynes stepped up to the tee and sent his 5 wood high into the air to compensate for the steady headwind. His shot landed short of the green, bounced and then rolled towards the flagstick.
"When I approached the green, I saw no ball on the green and presumed it was in the fringe," explained Hynes, "I made a detailed examination around the fringe, including well above the hole - which would have been an impossible spot for the ball to settle. Dan yelled 'Look in the hole! Look in the hole!' and, sure enough, there was the ball, laying in the cup ... quite a thrill."
One month later, Hynes was competing in a Ryder Cup format competition at Woods Hole Golf Club. On this occasion, Hynes was competing against Dave Ake, a two-time club champion at Woods Hole. After Ake left his shot on the par-3 6th hole two feet shy of the hole, Hynes came through with another remarkable strike.
"My strategy was to hit it above the hole and let gravity do the rest," said Hynes. "By wild coincidence, the ball did exactly what I had wished and trickled down into the cup. David kidded me about getting a birdie and losing the hole. For the record, David had no trouble beating me in the overall match."
Although his love affair with the game began later in life, Hynes had made up for lost time. He was victorious at The Country Club's 1988 Spring Four Ball, 2005 Lawrence Curtis Shield Invitational and 2007 Clyde Park Championship and was the individual match play net champion at the 2009 Quisset Shield (contested at Woods Hole). His first career hole in one came on January 17, 2009 at Lost Tree Club in North Palm Beach, Florida.
"Both holes in one are great examples of why the game of golf is so intriguing," said Hynes of his recent achievement. “Maybe it also proves that even a blind squirrel can find a nut ... or two."
If you have scored a hole in one in your career, the MGA encourages you to submit the information so that you can receive your certificate and bag tag.
Click here for more information about the MGA's Hole in One program.