Golf’s great history spans centuries, and with it comes a treasure trove of stories and traditions. From the origins of its iconic courses to the surprising records and top player facts that have shaped it, golf is filled with details that even longtime players might not know. Visit our Facebook and Instagram pages to check out a number of facts from the fairways, but read on for a selection from the month of November.
The all-time record for the most holes-in-one is 51, held by Mancil Davis
Also known as the “King of Aces”, his first hole-in-one came in 1967 at just age 11. His 51st was recorded in 2007, and each one has been well documented throughout his long golfing career, during which he has been a member of the PGA of America since 1974. Davis briefly played on the PGA TOUR, and has a recorded ace for almost every club in his bag, except for his putter, sand wedge and pitching wedge. His shortest hole-in-one measured 124 yards, while his longest stretched an incredible 379 yards.
During World War II, Augusta National Golf Club temporarily closed and became a farm, raising turkeys and cows to stay financially afloat
Unfortunately, the cows caused more trouble than help, munching on azaleas and tree bark and leaving parts of the course a mess. The turkeys, on the other hand, were a far better investment. Not only did they bring in profit, but they also became a source of holiday dinners for members. Today, this little-known chapter serves as a reminder that even golf legends had to get creative in tough times.
The world’s longest hole in golf is a par-7 that stretches over 1,000 yards
At 1,097 yards, the third hole at Gunsan Country Club in South Korea is a true beast. With water hugging the left side and bunkers in play, you’ll need more than power to conquer this par-7. Gunsan itself has 81 holes, and also features a 723-yard par-6 somewhere across the 1060-acre property that was once an abandoned salt field. But it pales in comparison to the club’s monstrous par-7 – the latest escalation in a continuing arms race to create the world’s longest golf hole, surpassing the previous 964-yard par-7 at Satsuki Golf Course in Sano, Japan.
Phil Mickelson is one of the most successful left-handed players in golf history, but he’s naturally right-handed in all other activities.
The six-time major champion plays left-handed for one simple reason: he learned the game by mirroring his right-handed father. As the story goes, Phil Mickelson Sr. would practice his chipping in the backyard, while his young, also right-handed son stood opposite him and copied every move. That mirrored motion became his swing, and it’s stuck with him ever since.
Check out our social media pages for more fascinating facts from the fairways or stay on the lookout for more articles each and every month!