Golf Glossary
Hole in One
In short
A hole in one, also called an ace, means the ball goes into the hole with the very first stroke from the tee. The hole is completed in a single stroke. It usually happens on par-3 holes and is one of the rarest and most memorable moments in golf.
Hole in one in golf: the meaning explained
With a hole in one you need exactly one stroke for the hole. You hit from the tee and the ball stays in the hole. Your scorecard shows a 1.
What the score is called relative to par depends on the hole:
- Par 3: a hole in one is two under par, so it is also an eagle.
- Par 4: it is three under par and therefore an albatross.
- Par 5: it would be four under par, a condor, which has been documented only a handful of times.
In English golfers often say ‘ace’, probably borrowed from card games, where the ace stands for one. The Rules of Golf have no special rule for a hole in one. It counts like any other score: as one stroke.
Where holes in one happen
Most holes in one are made on par 3s. These holes are short enough to reach the green from the tee and often measure roughly 100 to 200 metres, depending on the course. Very long hitters, usually professionals, occasionally ace a short par 4.
The ball rarely flies straight into the hole. More often it lands short of or beside the flag and rolls the last few metres. Distance control therefore matters as much as direction: a shot that flies too far almost never rolls back into the hole.
Under the Rules of Golf a ball is holed when it comes to rest in the hole after a stroke with the whole ball below the surface of the putting green. If it rests against the flagstick and any part of it is below the surface, it also counts as holed.
Practical example: an ace on a par 3
A par 3 measures 140 metres with the flag in the middle of the green. You choose an 8-iron. The ball lands three metres short, keeps rolling and drops. You have played the hole in one stroke: a hole in one and an eagle.
In Stableford that is worth four gross points, because it is two under par. If you receive a handicap stroke on the hole, it is three under net par and earns five net points.
For a club to recognise and celebrate a hole in one, it should happen in a proper round and be witnessed by your playing partners. Many clubs record aces on an honours board or with a certificate. An ace while practising alone is wonderful, but it usually does not count officially.
When the ball hangs on the lip
Sometimes a tee shot stops right on the edge of the hole. Rule 13.3a sets a clear time limit for this. You are allowed a reasonable time to walk to the hole without unreasonable delay. Once there, you may wait ten more seconds to see whether the ball drops.
- If the ball falls in within those ten seconds, it is holed with the tee shot. The hole in one counts.
- If it falls in later, it is still treated as holed with the tee shot, but you add one penalty stroke. The scorecard then shows a 2.
- If the ball stays put, you tap it in with a putt. That is also a 2.
Blowing on the ball or stamping near the hole is a bad idea. If you deliberately cause the ball to move, you get one penalty stroke and must replace it. So wait calmly and let your playing partners keep an eye on the time.
The tradition: drinks for everyone
Tradition says that whoever makes a hole in one pays for something. Usually the lucky player buys a drink for the playing partners and often for everyone in the clubhouse. At some clubs a small celebration is part of it.
The custom is voluntary and not regulated anywhere, but it is so widespread that most golfers know it and look forward to it. How big the round becomes depends on the club, the day and the number of guests. On a busy competition day it can turn into a sizeable bill.
This is why the custom is closely linked to its own insurance product, hole in one insurance, which is common in German-speaking countries, among others.
Hole in one insurance: how it works
Hole in one insurance covers the costs of the traditional celebration after an ace, mainly drinks and catering in the clubhouse. Claims are usually paid up to a maximum sum set out in the policy.
It is available on its own or as part of a golf insurance package that may also cover equipment or liability. Some clubs and associations offer similar benefits to their members.
The conditions matter. Often only a hole in one made in a competition or an official round qualifies. Playing partners or the club usually have to confirm it, and there are deadlines for reporting it. Before taking out a policy, check exactly what is covered and which proof is required.
Tips to improve your chances
You cannot plan a hole in one, and luck is always involved. You can, however, improve your chances by hitting more greens.
- Take one club more. Many tee shots on par 3s finish short.
- Aim for the middle of the green when the flag is tucked away.
- Practise fixed distances with your irons so you know how far each club goes.
- Pay attention to wind and changes in elevation.
Corporate days and charity events often feature a ‘hole in one challenge’ on a particular par 3, often with a prize for an ace plus a separate prize for the ball closest to the flag. Every tee shot has something riding on it, even though the ace itself stays the exception.
Try it at Golf Lounge
On the Golf Lounge’s 6-hole ‘Red’ short course you can chase your first ace without the Platzreife. A round usually takes under an hour and up to four players can start together. From January to March the course becomes a 9-hole winter course. With the DGV Platzreife you can also play the 9-hole ‘Black’ course, which has three par 3s. According to the course guide, the shortest is just under 80 metres.
Frequently asked questions
What is a hole in one in golf?
A hole in one means the tee shot goes straight into the hole, so the hole is completed in one stroke. It usually happens on par 3s. On a par 3 a hole in one is also an eagle, on a par 4 it is an albatross. It is also known as an ace.
What is hole in one insurance?
Hole in one insurance covers the cost of the traditional celebration after an ace, mainly drinks for playing partners and guests in the clubhouse. It pays up to a maximum sum set out in the policy. Cover often applies only to competitions or official rounds, and the ace must be confirmed. The exact conditions depend on the policy.
What is an ace in golf?
An ace is another word for a hole in one: the ball goes into the hole with a single stroke from the tee. The term probably comes from card games, where the ace stands for one. By old tradition, whoever makes an ace buys a round of drinks.
Is a hole in one an eagle?
It depends on the par of the hole. On a par 3 a hole in one is two under par and therefore an eagle. On a par 4 it is three under par, an albatross. On a par 5 it would be a condor. Either way, the scorecard shows a 1.
As of: October 2026