Sepp Straka records Hole-in-One during Masters Tournament practice round
Happy Masters Week to those of you who celebrate, as the greatest golf tournament of the year is just a few days away. Golf fans from across the globe will congregate in Augusta, GA, as the best players in the world compete for a green jacket. Special moments occur on an annual basis and for the 2023 edition, things got kicked off on Monday.
Hole No. 12 was the site of the year’s first Hole-In-One. Former Georgia product Sepp Straka was the one who hit it. Maybe something about being close to Athens brought the best out of him. While any Hole-In-One is special, having one at The Masters on your resume makes the story that much better.
Straka got as clean looking of a Hole-In-One as you could ask for. He landed the ball just past the bunker before taking a bounce. Another tiny one occurred before just rolling into the hole and sending the crowd into a frenzy. Everyone on the tee box was excited as well, congratulating Straka and his caddy for the accomplishment.
A remarkable shot from Straka, who will always remember hitting a Hole-In-One at Augusta National. You can watch the full moment here.
According to the Masters’ official website, there have been three career Hole-In-Ones during tournament play at the 12th hole. The last came during the 1988 tournament — which was 35 years ago. If Straka is somehow able to pull off the stunt later in the week, he would put himself in the record books forever.
Sepp Straka hoping Hole-In-One is good Masters omen
For just the second time in his career, Straka will be playing in the Masters. Last year was his first experience at the tournament, finishing tied for 30th. While Straka won two PGA Tour events during the 2022 season, he has struggled in the major championships.
Maybe the Hole-In-One is a sign of things to come for the golfer. In what should be an exciting tournament, there will be plenty of opportunities for guys to make surprise runs. Especially since Straka has produced some good results this year, he will be hoping to be one.
Straka does not know when he will be teeing off on Thursday. Augusta National has not yet announced groups for the first two rounds. But no matter who he plays with, they will have a talking point thanks to the shot produced at the 12th hole on Monday.