Playing a round at Pine Valley is a dream for all golfers, but for PGA Tour pro Rickie Fowler, it turned into a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Fowler made an ace on the world’s top-rated course during a recent visit, with his friend and fellow pro Smylie Kaufman there to witness it. Kaufman shared his experience on the Subpar podcast, hosted by Colt Knost and Drew Stoltz.
Kaufman recounted how the day unfolded, starting with Justin Thomas predicting a hole-in-one on the third tee. Thomas fell short of the green, but Fowler stepped up and hit a perfect shot that landed in the hole for an ace. Kaufman, who had been struggling with his game that day, joked about following up Fowler’s incredible shot with his own less-than-stellar performance.
After playing the course, Kaufman gained a newfound appreciation for why Pine Valley is consistently ranked as the top course in the world. He praised the layout and design of each hole, noting the challenge it presents to golfers and the need to hit accurate shots off the tee. The experience left Kaufman understanding why Pine Valley holds such a prestigious reputation in the golfing world.
As a former member of Columbia University’s first female varsity golf team, Jessica, the Golf.com editor, brings a unique perspective to the sport. She is responsible for producing both print and online features for the publication, overseeing special projects like the Style Issue, and conducting interviews with notable figures in the golfing world. Jessica’s expertise in the sport adds depth and insight to the content produced by Golf.com.
In conclusion, the experience of playing a round at Pine Valley, paired with witnessing a hole-in-one by a top-level pro like Rickie Fowler, is a golfer’s ultimate dream. Smylie Kaufman’s account of the day highlights the excitement and challenge of playing on the world’s top-rated course. With its unique layout and demanding design, Pine Valley continues to earn its place at the pinnacle of golf course rankings. Golf enthusiasts and professionals alike can appreciate the allure and prestige of this iconic course.
