Back into golf for just twelve months. Playing on a hole notorious for its difficult playing conditions and length, with the added pressure of $10,000 on the line (learn how a prize hole affects psychology around playing golf), Curtis stepped up and delivered his greatest golfing moment yet. Let’s dive a bit deeper into his round and experience at the Local Party Hole below:
The Q and A:
Local Party Hole: First of all, congratulations, Curtis. An amazing shot and achievement. Talk us through your round leading up to the Local Party Hole. How were you hitting it?
Curtis: Pretty average. We started on the 10th and I wasn’t hitting it great early. The putting was okay, but tee to green was just average. Actually, on that hole I changed balls. I pulled out a brand new one and said if I only hit it once, I’ll put it away. Turns out that worked pretty well.
Local Party Hole: Is that the trade secret? New ball every time?
Curtis: Maybe. Just use it once and put it away.
Local Party Hole: What were the conditions like on the day? Was it the usual wind tunnel?
Curtis: Very windy. I’m normally not great on the back nine either, so I wasn’t expecting much. But on 17 we had the wind behind us. I hit it sweet and it was heading straight at the flag. I didn’t actually see it go in. Jordan, who I was playing with, said, ‘That’s in the hole.’ I said, ‘No, no it’s not.’ It was just disbelief.
Local Party Hole: Your group had an incredible reaction. There was even a bit of a club throw.
Curtis: I threw the club in the air and I don’t even remember doing it. I was in complete shock. I kept saying, ‘No, it’s not in the hole.’ I honestly don’t remember the moment clearly until I watched the video back.
Local Party Hole: What was going through your head at the time?
Curtis: I can’t even remember. Just disbelief. Absolute shock. It actually gave me a bit of confidence too because we played the next nine really well as a pair. It’s such a hard hole, especially in windy conditions. There have been plenty of times where I haven’t even made the green there. So to hit an ace on that hole was unreal.
Local Party Hole: We noticed you ran back to the cart for your rangefinder.
Curtis: I did. I didn’t believe it was in. I was the first to hit and couldn’t see any balls on the green. I saw the closest to the pin marker and thought, well, I guess it must be in the hole. And it was.
Local Party Hole: Was it your first hole-in-one?
Curtis: Yes, first ever. I only really got back into golf about 12 months ago. I used to muck around 25 or 30 years ago, but never seriously. We built down here a couple of years ago, so I started playing again properly. To get my first hole-in-one on a party hole is pretty special.
Watch Curtis’ Hole-in-one here
Local Party Hole: You were playing with Jordan, your daughter’s boyfriend. He helped get you back into golf. Was he jealous?
Curtis: A little bit maybe. But he was really happy for me. He’s been playing for years and used to be captain down at Barmera. He’s helped coach me a bit and get me hitting it better. We had a couple of drinks afterwards, so it was all good.
Local Party Hole: What were the scenes like at the 19th hole?
Curtis: We had a big lunch afterwards. All the winners were announced, closest to the pin, longest drive and all that. Word was already spreading. I even got a phone call on the fourth hole from a mate a couple of groups behind asking if I’d hit a hole-in-one (learn more about how golf is evolving and becoming more social). When I got back to the clubhouse, everyone was congratulating me. It was an unreal feeling.
Local Party Hole: Speaking of improving, is the $10,000 going towards upgraded gear?
Curtis: I think so. The wife has given me permission. I’ve always just bought clubs off the shelf. Now I’ll go and get properly fitted and get something that really suits my swing. So that’s probably next on the list.
Local Party Hole: That could be dangerous with a properly fitted set.
Curtis: Exactly. We might be back here again.
Local Party Hole: How did you enjoy the overall Local Party Hole experience?
Curtis: It was great. I’d actually seen someone else win it earlier this year. It’s such a challenging hole. I’ve struggled to even make the green before. That day I made sure I clubbed up so I wouldn’t leave it short, hit it sweet, and the rest is history.
Local Party Hole: And how many times have you replayed the moment?
Curtis: When you sent me the video, I was waiting for a physio appointment and probably watched it 50 times in 10 minutes. I’ve sent it around to family and friends. I still can’t believe it. The whole week has just been disbelief.
Local Party Hole: Curtis, we’re absolutely rapt for you. Congratulations again.Curtis: Thank you. I really appreciate it.
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