Frank Bensel Jr., a 56-year-old club pro from New York, made USGA history at the U.S. Senior Open by making back-to-back holes-in-one during a round at Newport Country Club in Rhode Island. His incredible feat of hitting consecutive aces on par-3 holes is a rare occurrence in the world of golf, with odds of 67 million to one for two aces in the same round, and even more staggering odds of 156.25 million to one for back-to-back aces.
On the fourth hole, Bensel used a six-iron to sink a shot from 173 yards out, followed by another hole-in-one on the fifth hole from 202 yards. The second shot, which he saw all the way into the cup, was accompanied by the cheers of onlookers who couldn’t believe what they were witnessing. Bensel’s 14-year-old son, Hagen, served as his caddie during the round and may have some bragging rights as he initially suggested a different club for his father’s shots.
Despite finishing the round with a 4-over 74, Bensel’s remarkable achievement of two consecutive aces will be a story he tells for the rest of his life. The odds of such a feat are incredibly slim, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a highlight in his golfing career. In the grand scheme of things, his final score pales in comparison to the thrill of making two holes-in-one on the same round.
The National Hole-in-One Registry confirmed the rarity of Bensel’s achievement and highlighted the extraordinary nature of back-to-back aces. The excitement and disbelief surrounding the event created a memorable moment not only for Bensel and his family but also for those who witnessed it firsthand. The overwhelming odds of such a feat only add to the astonishment of what transpired on the course that day.
As Bensel revels in the glory of his record-setting performance, the golfing community is left in awe of his incredible display of skill and luck. The story of his back-to-back aces will undoubtedly be retold for years to come, solidifying his place in golfing lore. Whether the moment is engraved on a tombstone or simply shared among friends and fellow golf enthusiasts, it will forever be a testament to the magic and unpredictability of the game.
