Stefani in record book with U.S. Open ace
PGA tour rookie Shawn Stefani picked the perfect day to make golfing history and become the first player to make a hole-in-one during a U.S. Open at Merion.
Stefani flew his 4-iron shot on the 213-yard 17th over the green to the left, but got a favorable hop and then watched the ball trickle down into the cup.
"It was kind of funny. I got up on the tee after 16 and walked to the tee, and I usually don't look at crowds," Stefani told USA Today. "I'm not paying attention to it. But I kind of looked up there to see just how many people were in the stands. And the stands were full."
The 17th hole had played difficult this week, the tees were moved up for the final round and Stefani took advantage on his way to a Sunday score of 1-under 69.
He is the 43rd player to ace a hole during a U.S. open.
USA Today described Stefani's reaction to that of linebacker making a sack.
"I can't remember anything on the tee. It happened. I jumped up and down, slapped some hands, and I really don't know what happened after that," said the 6-foot-2, 205-pound Stefani.
