Dale Whitnell’s Unforgettable Day: Two Holes-in-One and More at South African Open

Whitnell’s Unbelievable Day at the South African Open: Two Holes-in-One and More

Feb 28, 2025, 10:37 AM ET

DURBAN, South Africa — In the world of golf, there are good days, and then there are days that are simply unforgettable. For Dale Whitnell, Friday at the South African Open was one of those unforgettable days. The 36-year-old Englishman, who started the day with concerns about making the cut, ended it with a story for the ages. Whitnell achieved the rare feat of making two holes-in-one in the same round, a remarkable accomplishment that left golf fans buzzing.

Whitnell’s day began with a sense of urgency. Ranked No. 545, he knew he needed to perform well to stay in the competition. “I was struggling to make the cut, so I knew I needed to go out and play well and got off to a hot start as they would say,” Whitnell explained. And a hot start it was. He birdied the first hole, setting the tone for what would become a wild 9-under 63 second round at the Durban Country Club.

The magic began on the par-3 second hole. Whitnell hit a perfect 7-iron shot, and to his surprise, the ball found its way into the cup. “Birdied the first and then hit a flush 7-iron on the second and didn’t realize it went in until down the bottom they sort of cheered,” he recounted. “That was lovely.” The cheers from the crowd confirmed what Whitnell couldn’t see from the tee box – his first ace of the day.

But Whitnell wasn’t done yet. He followed up his hole-in-one with an eagle on the par-5 third hole, continuing his incredible run. As the round progressed, he added seven birdies to his scorecard, along with two bogeys and one double bogey. It was a round filled with highs and lows, but the highlight was yet to come.

After a nine-hole wait, Whitnell struck again on the par-3 12th hole. Another perfect shot, another hole-in-one. “I’ve never had one in tournament play. To have two in one day is pretty special,” he said, reflecting on his extraordinary achievement. Just a day earlier, Whitnell had shot a level-par 72 in the opening round, making his second-round performance all the more impressive.

For those who may not be familiar with the rarity of such a feat, making a hole-in-one is a golfer’s dream. To do it twice in one round is almost unheard of. Whitnell’s performance at the South African Open is a testament to the unpredictable and thrilling nature of golf.

• Two holes-in-one in a single round
• 9-under 63 second round
• Ranked No. 545
• First hole-in-one in tournament play

As the tournament continues, all eyes will be on Whitnell to see if he can maintain his momentum and make a strong finish. Regardless of the outcome, his performance on Friday will be remembered as one of the most remarkable rounds in recent memory.

For golf enthusiasts and casual fans alike, Whitnell’s day at the South African Open serves as a reminder of why we love this sport. It’s the unexpected moments, the incredible achievements, and the stories that unfold on the course that keep us coming back for more. And for Dale Whitnell, Friday was a day that will be etched in his memory forever.