Video: Si Woo Kim Makes Historic Hole-in-One During 3rd Round of 2024 British Open
July 20, 2024
In the midst of an otherwise unremarkable performance in the 2024 Open Championship, Si Woo Kim made history in the third round on Saturday.
Kim became the first player ever to hit a hole-in-one on No. 17 at an Open at Royal Troon.
Kim arrived at the 17th hole at seven-over par for the tournament and two-over in the third round. His first birdie on the back nine came on No. 16, so he was able to carry that positive momentum with him.
Per Justin Ray of the Golf Channel, Kim's ace is the longest in recorded history at the Open Championship dating back to 1980.
The previous record was 212 yards by Frank Lickliter II at Royal Lytham & St Annes in 2001. Kim's hole-in-one was the sixth in an Open Championship at Royal Troon. The previous five to do it were Louis Oosthuizen (2016), Ernie Els (2004), Dennis Edlund (1997), Daniel Olsson (1997) and Pierre Fulke (1997).
This is the second straight year a player has hit an ace at the British Open. Travis Smyth hit one, also on the 17th hole, at Royal Liverpool in the second round last year.
Kim's ace allowed him to finish the third round with an even-par 71. It was his second straight round at par after a 76 on Thursday.
Even though Kim won't contend for a championship on Sunday, he was able to steal the show at least for a moment in spectacular fashion.
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