78-year-old golfer gets two hole-in-ones on same hole
A 78-year-old golfer achieved two hole-in-ones on the same hole in consecutive rounds, a remarkable feat.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
A 78-year-old golfer from the Bristol area has achieved what is being called one of the most remarkable feats in the sport: two hole-in-ones on the same hole in consecutive rounds. Clive Rudge, a member of Tall Pines Golf Club near Bristol, aced the 13th hole twice in a row, using the same club, the same ball, and even the same lucky jumper.
Rudge, who has now recorded four aces on that particular hole in total, said he was "over the moon" but remained typically modest. A friend who played with him on the day said Rudge does not talk about his achievements, adding: "He'll tell you every now and again that he's had a hole-in-one. Didn't realise he had four on this one, to be honest."
The odds of a single hole-in-one are estimated at 12,500 to one. But the odds of achieving two on the same hole in back-to-back rounds are far higher: 156 million to one. To put that in context, the odds of winning the EuroMillions jackpot are 139 million to one, meaning Rudge's feat is statistically rarer than winning a major lottery.
Rudge admitted the achievement has been expensive, as tradition requires the golfer to buy drinks for fellow players. "We're looking at hundreds of pounds at the moment," he said, but added that it was worth it: "It's nice to achieve something."
The story has become the talk of the club, where hole-in-ones are described as "quite rare" on the par-3 course. A club representative noted that only about half a dozen aces occur in a three-year competition period, making Rudge's double all the more extraordinary.
Rudge's advice for others hoping to replicate his success? He wears his lucky jumper on days he wants a hole-in-one, but admits he cannot give a formula: "I can't give them the answer on how to do it, really."
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | ITV |
|---|---|
| A 78-year-old golfer achieved two hole-in-ones on the same hole in consecutive rounds at Tall Pines Golf Club. |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
The report focuses on the human interest and local pride angle, highlighting Rudge's modesty and the statistical improbability of his feat. It includes interviews with Rudge and a friend, and draws a direct comparison to lottery odds to emphasise rarity. The tone is warm and celebratory, with a touch of humour about the lucky jumper and the cost of buying drinks.
- “I'm over the moon, really, to have them.”
- “It was two hole-in-ones in two rounds with the same club.”
- “The odds of Clive's feat, though, are far more. 156 million to one, to be exact.”
Broadcast Timeline
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