There are good golf shots, and then there are shots you replay for the rest of your life.
On Hole Two at Eastwood Golf Club, Andrew produced one of those moments. A 155-metre par 3, a broken five iron sitting at home, a swing change in progress, and a Local Party Hole prize of $10,000 on the line. The result was a clean strike, great ball flight, and a reaction that spoke a thousand words.
We caught up with Andrew to talk about his fruitful new swing technique, the enforced yet tactical club change, his playing partners, and what happens next following the magic of making a hole-in-one at a Local Party Hole.
The Q and A:
Local Party Hole: Firstly, congratulations, Andrew. A massive moment for you. We just wanted to ask a few questions about the whole experience.
You only needed one hole to warm up before this epic moment. How were they coming off the club before you reached hole two?
Andrew: I’ll tell you a little secret there. I actually play off the 10th, so I was already about 10 holes in and reasonably warmed up. But it is one of the more challenging holes on the course.
Local Party Hole: That makes it even better. Your reaction was sensational, exactly what we love to see. Did you know straight away it was tracking for a hole-in-one, or did the nerves build as it got closer?
Andrew: It was playing 155 metres. Normally that’s my five iron. But three weeks earlier my son borrowed my clubs and called me saying, “Dad, we’ve got a problem.” He hit one flush and the head snapped off my five iron. So, I had to use my six instead.
I’ve been working on an inside-out swing because I usually drift right and bring the creek into play. I trusted the swing change, tried to hit it solid, and it came off perfectly.
Local Party Hole: Sounds like it paid off. I think your son might be asking for a share of the $10,000.
Andrew: That’s exactly what he’s saying.
Local Party Hole: On the footage, one of your playing partners didn’t seem to react. Was that jealousy, or was he just not sure what was happening?
Andrew: He’s not part of my regular group. The other guy was down in Adelaide. To be honest, he probably just couldn’t see that far. Normally I hit it out of sight, and that’s only about 100 metres for him!
I did see him bending down to set up for his shot while it was going in, but thankfully the other guy was pretty excited. And what you probably didn’t see was Charles, our 89-year-old playing off the red tees. We usually have to wake him up for his shot.
See Andrew’s shot here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTjubLIE5ou/
Local Party Hole: That’s gold. We just had the Aussie Open here, you could have been a worthy participant after that shot. What’s next for you? Any plans for the PGA Tour?
Andrew: Probably not. After that shot, I was thinking club champion, but a few holes later that idea disappeared pretty quickly. I just love my golf. I’ll try to play a bit more over the next few years. I’m playing again Friday, so I’m looking forward to it.
Local Party Hole: We’ll see you back on hole two soon. With Christmas coming up, have you got anything planned for the prize money?
Andrew: A new set of clubs has always been on the list, so I’ll probably invest in that. I don’t think the wife can deny me that now.
She’s been hovering around Michael Hill, so I think she’s got her eye on something too. The kids will get something out of it as well. It’s just a good time to celebrate.
Local Party Hole: That sounds perfect. How many times have you replayed the footage for family and friends?
Andrew: It’s on repeat at home.
Local Party Hole: And overall, how did you enjoy the experience on the Local Party Hole?
Andrew: It was fantastic. I went to work on Tuesday, and I work in technology. The chief was there and asked how my weekend was. I said, “Let me tell you a story.” He asked if I had the video, and I showed him. He watched it and said, “It was a terrible swing, but I love the technology.”
Local Party Hole: Andrew, congratulations again. We hope to see you back on hole two soon.
Andrew: Thanks. Really appreciate it.
