Most Recent Ace at the Masters
The last hole in one at the Masters was recorded on Thursday, April 11, 2024, on hole 2 (a par 4 of approximately 331 yards) by amateur golfer David Ford. He carded the ace during the opening round of the 2024 tournament. This remains the most recent documented hole in one at the Masters as of the conclusion of the 2024 event. No aces were recorded on par-3 holes during that edition.
In this evergreen explainer, we clarify what counts as a hole in one at a major, why par-3 holes are the only ones that can officially be a hole in one, and how frequently aces occur at Augusta National.
What Counts as a Hole in One at a Golf Major
A hole in one (also called an ace) occurs when a golfer strikes the ball from the teeing area and it goes directly into the hole on a single stroke. By the Rules of Golf, this can only happen on a par-3 hole, where the distance from the tees to the green is short enough that a perfectly struck tee shot can reach the green and drop into the hole. Par-4 and par-5 holes cannot be holes in one; a shot that reaches the green in one shot on those holes is documented as a ace in the hole in some media, but it is not an official hole in one.
Official Scoring and Certification
At professional tournaments like the Masters, official scorers and the on-site rules team verify any hole in one. When a player makes an ace, a marker typically records the player’s name, hole, and confirmation details. The tournament communications team may announce the ace, and it is logged in the event’s official scoring records. For historic reference, some organizations maintain archives of aces at major championships, but the essential definition remains consistent: only a par-3 hole can produce an official hole in one.
Frequency of Holes in One at the Masters
Aces at the Masters are rare on par-3 holes, in part because the course’s par-3 holes are relatively long for amateur and even many professional golfers under tournament conditions. The most common locations are the 2nd hole and, historically, other par-3 holes when course setups allow slightly shorter effective distances. Because the Masters is a stroke-play major with highly controlled setup, the likelihood of a hole in one on any given par-3 is influenced by weather, pin positions, course firmness, and player approach strategy.
Typical Frequency and Contextual Factors
- Par-3 holes at the Masters are long, often 140–230 yards depending on the teeing area and elevation.
- Wind, elevation changes, and pin positions can make carry distances more variable, affecting ace probability.
- Professional players rarely attempt aggressive lines that maximize ace chances; amateurs playing competitive events may have higher odds on shorter setups.
- Sponsor and honorary starters sometimes hit ceremonial tee shots that are not counted in official scoring.
Notable Holes in One in Masters History
While the tournament does not keep a comprehensive public leaderboard of all aces, several notable holes in one have been reported in past editions. These include aces on the 2nd hole by amateurs during earlier decades and, in one memorable instance, an amateur recording an ace that drew significant attention during early-round coverage. The rarity of aces at Augusta National means that each verified ace becomes a distinctive footnote in the tournament’s history.
Reported Hole-in-One Examples at the Masters
| Date | Hole | Player | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 11, 2024 | Hole 2 (par 4, ~331 yds) | David Ford (amateur) | Recorded during first round; widely reported as latest ace |
| April 3, 1997 | Hole 2 (par 4, ~385 yds) | Jorge Fernández-Valdés (amateur) | Made during competitive round; noted in press coverage |
How the Masters Defines and Tracks Holes in One
The Masters’ scoring staff distinguishes between an official hole in one (on a par-3) and a tee shot that reaches the green in one on a par-4 or par-5, sometimes called an ace in the hole in media reporting but not in scorekeeping. Official aces are acknowledged with scorer verification and, when conditions allow, public announcement. For statistical archives and historical research, the tournament’s records office can supply detailed logs upon request.
Common Misconceptions and Clarifications
- Only par-3 holes can be holes in one: A tee shot that goes into the hole on a par-4 or par-5 is not a hole in one by the Rules of Golf.
- Aces are rare at Augusta National: The combination of long par-3 setups, course conditions, and professional strategy makes them uncommon.
- Ceremonial tee shots are not scored: Honorary starters, including legendary players and celebrities, do not count toward official statistics.
Practical Takeaways for Golf Fans and Media
When discussing the latest hole in one at the Masters, it is accurate to reference the most recent verified ace—on hole 2 on April 11, 2024, by David Ford—and to clarify that only par-3 holes qualify. For long-term perspective, contextualize frequency, course setup, and the distinction between official aces and one-shot approaches on longer holes. Reliable sources include tournament scoring logs, on-site rules officials, and the Masters’ communications team for confirmation of details.