Dale Whitnell Scores Two Holes-in-One at South Africa Open

DURBAN, South Africa — English golfer Dale Whitnell made history on Friday by sinking two holes-in-one during the second round of the South Africa Open at the Durban Country Club.

The 36-year-old aced the par-3 second hole, measuring 179 yards, and then repeated the incredible feat on the 149-yard 12th hole. Whitnell’s performance was remarkable as he immediately followed his first hole-in-one with an eagle on the third hole, showcasing a hot start to his round.

“I knew I was struggling to make the cut, so I needed to go out and play well and got off to a hot start,” Whitnell said in an interview with DP World Tour. “I birdied the first and hit a flush seven iron on the second. I didn’t realize it had gone in until they cheered down at the bottom.”

Despite chasing a stunning score of 13-under-par 59, Whitnell’s round was challenged by a double bogey on the 16th hole, where he suffered an air shot while attempting a chip for birdie. Eventually, he finished the day with a score of 63, which was a nine-shot improvement from his level-par 72 in the first round.

As a player ranked 545th in the world, Whitnell’s achievement is particularly noteworthy because the odds of hitting two holes-in-one in a single round are estimated to be an astonishing 67 million to one, according to the U.S.-based National Hole-in-One Registry.

Whitnell is only the second Englishman to make two holes-in-one in the same round of professional competition, joining John Hudson, who accomplished the feat during the 1971 Martini International at Royal Norwich. Hudson’s double was unique as it occurred across consecutive holes, including a remarkable 314-yard par four.

“It was a weird feeling, everything in one,” Whitnell said reflecting on his unusual day on the golf course. “I was excited and adrenaline was pumping, but I had to focus on my job, and I managed to do that okay.”

Whitnell’s groundbreaking performance not only highlights his talent but also adds to the fascinating history of the sport. The last golfer to hit two holes-in-one in a single round was American Frank Bensel Jr. during the 2024 U.S. Senior Open.

Despite not securing the desired 59, Whitnell’s stunning performance stands as a significant moment in his career and the Open’s history.