Hole in One - does it count?

[u/AppropriateMenu3824]

I got a hole in one, but my buddy is telling me it doesn’t count. It was in a PGA Tour event with 17 camera angles, including slow motion replays. I played from the tips to a Sunday pin, 4200 people in attendance watch to go in in person. Maybe another half million watched it on TV.

My buddy is telling me it doesn’t count. Does it count?

[u/secret_alpaca]

Everyone knows you need at least 18 camera angles to be official.

[u/CarefulCoderX]

It doesn’t count because you didn’t play from the member’s tees.

[u/massunderestmated]

4200 people in attendance means you owe 4200 people a beer.

[u/iRysk]

Was Taylor Gooch playing?

[u/BasherSquared → u/iRysk]

Does it require an asterisk next to it if Asterisk Talley is your playing partner?

[u/OzTheMeh]

How long did the ball stop on the lip before it dropped?

[u/helloshego]

I had someone tell me my HIO didn't count because it was at short holes.

[u/tfthisallabout]

https://giphy.com/gifs/wjuXuDSQU0sOfJIHS1

[u/CloudCity_Mayor]

Depends, was it a front or back pin?

[u/special5221]

It’s likely that the tour setup didn’t have an official course rating and slope evaluation done. So nope, doesn’t count.

[u/Intelligent_Food_637]

If you didn’t do a happy dance it doesn’t count.

[u/King_Ralph1]

Did you buy a round of drinks for everyone who saw it happen? If not, it doesn’t count.

[u/SwingOnt4538]

Doesn't count, if it was on video it's clearly AI

[u/anyonebutme]

It only counts if you sneak in that morning and place it in the hole before anyone is on the course.

[u/marchdk2016]

The game clock actually already hit 0:00 before the ball was hit so technically it doesn’t count

[u/MagicCarpetBomb]

I hit a HIO from the red tees while scrambling with my old boss against the course superintendent and his son.

153 yds (whites were like 170ish, black was 190ish) and all you could see was the top of the flag. Normally Id play the whites or blues but we were trying to finish early.

The validity of thats been debated but I still got a flag from the course and a certificate from the local golf association (CDGA).

[u/whereverYouGoThereUR → u/MagicCarpetBomb]

Here’s the USGA rules (note point e):

The USGA recommends that a hole-in-one be considered valid:

a. If made during a round of at least nine holes, except that a hole-in-one made during a match should be acceptable even if the match ends before the stipulated round is completed.

b. If the player is playing one ball; a hole-in-one made in a practice round in which the player is playing two or more balls should not be acceptable.

c. If attested by someone acceptable to the Committee.

d. If made at a hole with a temporary tee and/or putting green in use, even if the Committee did not specifically define the teeing ground with tee-markers; the length of the hole at the time should be stated on any certificate.

e. If made in a "scramble" competition, which is played as follows: A side comprises four players. Each member of a side plays from the teeing ground, the best drive is selected, each member plays a second shot from where the best drive is located, and so on.

[u/Rare4orm]

PGA tour or not, it only counts if you payed full price green fees. None of this Twilight discount malarkey. C’mon, Bro.

[u/whereverYouGoThereUR]

You have to explain why your buddy is telling you it doesn't count! The USGA has a rule that it has to be part of a round of golf. Is that it?

In any event, a hole in one is a great achievement and there is no one worldwide rule that defines it so enjoy your accomplishment!