Close But No Cigar

Watch Brandel Chamblee’s wife “ace” TPC Sawgrass’ 17th hole (sort of)

If you’re new around here, you might think that nothing could be simpler than a hole-in-one—the most direct path from tee to cup, scientifically speaking. The reality, like most golf realities, however, is a lot more complex. There’s a sliding scale of 1s. A rainbow-like spectrum of possibilities, each with their own value assessment. Were you alone? Were you playing nine or 18? Was it a par-3 course? Did it happen on one of the most iconic holes in golf? Did you actually [whispers] hit it from the drop area? These last two questions are particularly relevant today thanks to Bailey Chamblee—wife of Golf Channel take-haver Brandel Chamblee—who was filmed making this wild hole-in-one three on TPC Sawgrass’ famous 17th hole on Sunday. Check it out.

From the drink to, well, drinks. Obviously, by the letter of the law, this is not a hole-in-one. There’s not much debate about that. What it is, however, is one of the most incredible pars you can make on one of the most intimidating holes you will ever play. That counts for a 3 on the scorecard, but a hell of a lot more in the personal memory bank.

Despite the rarity of the feat, Bailey wasn’t the first to pull it off on TPC Sawgrass’ postcard peninsula. That honor belongs to Freddie Couples, who logged an equally unlikely par 24 years ago at The Players Championship.

So an ace it ain’t, but that’s not bad company to keep.