The Loop

Is that an ace or an albatross?

UNLV's Derek Ernst has made one hole-in-one in his career, at a U.S. Amateur qualifier in 2007. But he went one better Wednesday during his first-round match with Joe David at the U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship.

On the eighth hole at Bandon Trails GC, a drivable par 4 that was playing 299 yards, albeit downwind, Ernst took out a 3-wood and went for the green. With the hole location in the back left, Ernst thought his drive was heading to the right bunker. A nice kick to the left, however, sent it toward the cup, where it proceeded to disappear, according to Ernst.

"I was thinking there's no way it went over the green," Ernst said. "There were two marshals on the side of the green and one guy ran out and put his hands in the air. That's when I knew it was in."

The double eagle was the first on a par 4 in the APL since the USGA began tracking such stats in 1982. It is just the third double eagle ever recorded at the APL.

"It gave me a big boost of momentum for the rest of day," said Ernst, who eventually won the match in 19 holes.


Form held in most first-round matches at Bandon Trails. Medalist Corbin Mills knocked off Greg O'Connor, 4 and 2, and faces__John Peterson__, the recent NCAA champion, in the second round Thursday. Peterson was a 3-and-2 winner over__Peter Williamson__.

Oklahoma State's__Talor Gooch__, recent college grads__Harris English__ (Georgia) and Jonathan Randolph (Mississippi), Palmer Cup participant Daniel Miernicki (Oregon) all advanced to the second round as well, as did local Bandon caddie Kevin Rei, who defeated Kevin Fitzgerald 7 and 6.

For complete first-round results, click here.