STATISTICIANS will tell you that the odds of an amateur golfer getting a hole-in-one once is 12,500-1.
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With that in mind the odds of the same amateur golfer making two hole-in-ones in consecutive days would be astronomical.
Neangar Park Golf Club’s Phil DeAraugo defied those amazing odds at the weekend when he holed out once on Saturday and backed up the next day with another hole-in-one.
After taking 28 years to land his first hole-in-one, DeAraugo now has three this year.
“I’d had come close a couple of times, but in reality I thought that I would play golf for a lifetime and never have one given that golf is full of luck, and most of it is of the bad variety,’’ DeAraugo said.
Saturday’s hole-in-one came at the par three seventh at Neangar Park – the same hole he broke his hole-in-one duck at in April this year.
“I used a five-iron in April, but this time I used a four-iron to get to the pin at the back of the green,’’ DeAraugo said.
“I hit that shot really well and when it landed on the green I said out loud that “this has got a chance” just before it disappeared.
“One of the guys in my group was more excited than me I think, as he had never seen a hole-in-one before.
“It made for a great atmosphere in the clubhouse after the round where I shouted everyone a drink or two.”
Sunday’s hole-in-one was on the big stage – a crucial pennant clash between rivals Neangar Park and Axedale at Bendigo Golf Club.
DeAraugo was one-up in his match with Lex Johnstone as they came to their final hole –the 151m par-three 12th.
“I hit off first and nailed a six-iron,’’ DeAraugo said.
“Lex’s tee shot just missed the green to the right.
“I knew mine was going to be close, but because we couldn’t see the green from the tee we didn’t know that it was in until we got up to the green and saw the pitch mark a few metres short of the pin and no ball.
“It was a great feeling to win the match in such a way, but it also felt a bit surreal knowing how rare hole-in-ones are supposed to be.
“Thankfully there were people around to see them, otherwise I’m sure some people wouldn’t believe me if I told them.
“I think I might buy a Tattslotto ticket this week.”
DeAraugo’s ace clinched a two-up victory over Johnstone and helped Neangar Park to a crucial 3.5-1.5 win over Axedale.
After suffering a shock loss in round one, Neangar Park opened its account for 2015 and remains the team to beat for the pennant title.
