The Oldest Golfer to Make a Hole-in-One
Gus Andreone, the Oldest-Known Acer
The record-holder as oldest golfer to make a hole-in-one is a PGA golf professional named Gus Andreone. Andreone, who passed away in 2018, was a legend among PGA professionals.When he was 103 years old in late 2014, Andreone, at the time the oldest-living PGA of America member, broke the previous record for oldest acer when he holed out a shot at Palm Aire Country Club in Sarasota, Fla. It happened on the 14th hole, and Andreone used a driver for the 113-yard shot.
"I hit it solid and the ball then hit the ground about 30 yards from the green and kept rolling, rolling and rolling," Andreone told PGA.com. "It fell into the hole ... Miracles do happen once in a while."
It was Andreone's eighth career ace and it happened 75 years after his first, in 1939.
At the time, Andreone was still playing nine holes twice a week and 18 holes once a week. He shot better than his age almost every round, usually coming in around 90 for 18 holes.
Whose Hole-in-One Record Did Andreone Break?
Before Andreone's ace at age 103, the oldest-known hole-in-one maker was Elsie McLean. McLean was 102 years old when she made a hole-in-one in 2007. She still holds the record for oldest woman with an ace.
More About Gus Andreone
Andreone died in 2018 at the age of 107. An obituary on PGA.com included great details about his colorful and consequential life.Such as this:
"Andreone’s rich, charmed life included escaping death three times while fighting in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II; being awarded three Bronze Stars; winning the Pennsylvania State Lottery in 1983; and in 2017, being presented the Order of the Legion of Honor medal by France."
Andreone was born in Ohio in 1911, and got into golf by caddying at St. Clair Country Club in Pittsburgh, Pa. He gave his first lesson there in 1934, and in 1939 became a PGA of America member.
After returning home from World War II, Andreone he became head pro at Edgewood Country Club in Pittsburgh. He held that position from 1947 through 1981. In 1971, Andreone was the Tri-State PGA Golf Professional of the Year.
"The job you have in golf is working with people. You treat them all the same if you intend to be a professional. Personality is very important. Treat them alike and learn all you can about your business. Remember that the juniors are the members of tomorrow. You treat your members with fairness and respect and it will come back to you tenfold." — Gus AndreoneRelated:
