Dale Whitnell achieves rare feat: two holes-in-one in a single round at DP World Tour Event
Dale Whitnell had an amazing day during the DP World Tour in South Africa. Whitnell currently ranks 545th on the global rankings. This seasoned British pro golfer has played on the European Tour ever since his early 20s. He achieved a stunning feat, sinking not just one but two hole-in-ones in a round.
Whitnell’s unexpected performance propelled him up the leaderboard and positioned him as a contender going into the weekend.
An Unforgettable Start: Birdie, Ace, Eagle
Whitnell started his round off with a par on the very first hole. This set the tone for the amazing events that followed. The second par-three hole was the first of Whitnell’s aces. A perfect 7 iron shot found the bottom cup. Whitnell recalled that he birdied the first hole, and then struck a 7-iron flush at the second. Didn’t notice it until they cheered.
He continued his momentum on the third par five hole, where an eagle followed by a second ace propelled him to five under par after only three holes. Whitnell showed his ability to perform at an elite level with these scores.
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The DP World Tour: A second hole-in-one and a resounding victory!
It didn’t stop there. Whitnell’s second hole-in one was achieved on the 12th. “Then, I got another hole in one on 12.” He said, “That was strange.”
This round was markedly improved by his 9-under par shots.
History: Rare Company of Golfers
Whitnell is in good company with his accomplishment. According to the PGA only a small number of golfers in the last 40 years have been able to achieve two holes-in one in the same game. Yusaku Mizato (2006 Barracuda Championship), and Brian Harman, (2015 FedEx St. Jude Championship), are also notable examples. Frank Bensel Jr. recently achieved something extraordinary when he hit two consecutive hole-in-ones at the U.S. Senior Open.
Statistics highlight Whitnell’s accomplishment. According to the National Hole-in-One Registry, the chances of a golfer making two hole-in-ones in one round are 67,000,000:1. Dale Whitnell beat those astronomical chances at the DP World Tour.
Whitnell Position: Chasing his Second Tour Victory
Whitnell, who is only five shots away from the top, has now tied with nine other players for ninth place. With renewed confidence in hand, Whitnell is aiming to win his second Tour title, which could be a defining moment for his golfing career. He is demonstrating his authority, trustworthiness, and expertise at this DP World Tour tournament.