For nearly 20 years, golf-loving brothers Dave and Steve Emon had to endure playful ribbing from their mother, an avid golfer who was proud of the fact she was the only member of the family who could claim to have registered a hole-in-one. That all changed this summer, and in rather spectacular fashion.
On June 27 this year, Dr. Steve Emon set out for a round of golf at his home course, the Mad River Golf Club. The popular Bob Cupp creation in Creemore, Ontario, is renowned as one of Canada’s top golf courses, recently ranked #18th Best Modern International Course (Golfweek) thanks to its challenging holes and scenic, rolling landscape.
More than 400 kilometres away, brother Dave was heading out to golf Windsor’s Roseland Golf and Curling Club, a municipal course designed by Donald Ross in 1926.
Stepping up for a tee shot on the tricky 16th hole gripping a 4-hybrid, Steve sailed his ball the full 197 yards, landing beyond the bunker and bouncing into the cup to register the ace. His first response was to call his mother to let her know of his accomplishment.
“It’s rare to see a hole in one on 16,” said Sandy Higgins, Marketing and Membership Director at Mad River. “The most common hole for it to happen is on the 7th. In a typical year Mad River would have somewhere between six to eight holes in one.”
Here’s where the story gets interesting. Later the same day, Dave stepped up to the eighth hole at Roseland. Scoping out the yardage with his Bushnell, Dave opted to play the 155-yard hole with his 9-iron.
Delivering a perfect swing, Dave hit a solid shot that landed on the foot the green, hopping a few times before rolling its way into the cup. It was the first ace he ever recorded, and he was so elated he too reached out to his mom the next morning to share the news.
Unfortunately for Dave, Steve had already called to register first bragging rights.
Verified aces can be rare, and the chance of two brothers nailing a hole-in-one on the same day at different courses must certainly defy the odds. “Fun things happen on the golf course,” said Higgins, who was pleased to see a real resurgence of activity at Mad River this year.
“We were so fortunate to be open this season, and we were very grateful to be able to offer tournament play for our members.” Mad River now has a wait list of over 100 potential members.
Golfing season comes to an end at Mad River on Oct. 31. For membership inquiries, call Sandy at 705 428-3673 ext. #3. Learn more online at https://madriver.ca/.