Two friends make hole-in-one on same hole moments apart in 17-million-to-one golf miracle

Two lifelong friends enjoyed a golfing moment they will never forget after both making a hole-in-one on the same hole during the same round at Royal Liverpool Golf Club.

Rob Davis, 67, and David Lewis, 64, achieved the extraordinary feat on the par-3 15th at Hoylake, with the odds of such an occurrence estimated at 17 million to one.

The pair, who have played together for more than 30 years, were taking on the 107-yard hole with the flag positioned at the back of the green when Rob, playing off 10.8, struck first with a pitching wedge.

Remarkably, moments later David, a 7.1-handicapper, followed him into the hole with the very same club.

Despite witnessing two superb shots, neither golfer initially realised they had both recorded aces.

"We knew my shot had hit the flag, but because of the green’s topography we couldn’t see the base of the pin. I honestly thought it had bounced off into the fringe, so I wasn’t that excited at first. David’s looked close too, but again, we couldn’t see the finish.

"When we walked up and saw no balls on the green, one of our playing partners told us to go to the hole together. Seeing both balls in there was surreal. We just shook hands and tried to take it all in."

The celebrations quickly moved to the club's Spike Bar, where the pair bought drinks for fellow golfers before sharing the remarkable story with the professional shop team.

"They wanted the photos and scorecards straight away so they could share it on the club’s pages," Rob said.

For David, it was the second hole-in-one of his golfing career, having previously made an ace on Hoylake's 4th hole. This time, however, he was determined not to repeat a costly mistake.

"I had one about 12 years ago but forgot to change the ball and promptly hit it into the gorse, never to be seen again. I wasn’t making that mistake this time!"

Rob is still considering the best way to commemorate the achievement.

"I haven’t decided how to mount the ball yet – I’ll need to check with David before we get something done!"

England Golf Championships Director James Crampton described the feat as one of the most remarkable golfing moments imaginable.

"Some people go their whole lives without getting a hole-in-one. To achieve one, alongside one of your friends, on the same hole, is nothing short of extraordinary, as the odds suggest - but it's a moment that these golfers will cherish for the rest of their lives."