At the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon, South Korean golfer Si Woo Kim etched his name into history by sinking the first hole-in-one of the tournament on the iconic 17th hole.
Si Woo Kim, a four-time PGA Tour winner, became a part of golf history at the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon by accomplishing a remarkable feat: the first hole-in-one of the tournament on the challenging 17th hole.
Amidst calmer weather conditions than the preceding rounds, Kim delivered an exceptional shot on the 238-yard par 3, officially known as "Rabbit" by Royal Troon's website. His precision and power sent the ball soaring over the fringe, eventually landing in the cup to the cheers of the spectators.
Si Woo Kim Makes History with Longest Hole-in-One in Open History
According to the PGA Tour, this is the first hole-in-one on the 17th hole in the ten editions of The Open Championship played at Royal Troon. Kim's stunning achievement further solidifies his legacy as he joins a select group of golfers who have made aces on this iconic hole.
"I wasn't happy with the 17th on Thursday," Kim admitted, as reported by the tournament's website. "I made a double, and I made a three-putt again yesterday. Finally, I got the hole-in-one, so I think I like it now."
Si Woo Kim Makes History with Longest Hole-in-One in Open History
Kim's hole-in-one not only marked a momentous occasion but also set a new record as the longest hole-in-one in Open history. Frank Lickliter II previously held the record with a 212-yard ace at Royal Lytham & St Annes in 2001, according to Reuters.
"My caddie told me you'd better hit hard with a 3-iron," Kim explained. "So I did, and as soon as I did, the contact was good. I saw the ball go over the fringe, and thought that must be maybe inside 20 feet."
Si Woo Kim Makes History with Longest Hole-in-One in Open History
"I took the tee out off the ground and went back to the bag, and there were people yelling at me," he added. "I didn't realize the ball was in the hole."
Kim's achievement adds to his impressive record at The Open. In 2022, he achieved a top-15 finish, showcasing his consistency and skills on the links.
Despite his historic hole-in-one, Kim finished the third round five strokes over par and trailed leader Shane Lowry by 13 strokes. However, his remarkable feat on the 17th hole will undoubtedly remain a highlight of his career and a memorable moment in the annals of The Open Championship.
