I've been playing for over 50 years but had never had a hole in one. I've been close fairly often including once seeing by (titleist) ball overhanging the hole on which I eventually did it. I've been in the company of playing partners when they had holes in one, on four occasions. Each time it was a slightly duff shot which nobody dreamt would go anywhere near the hole - but they did! On Tuesday 3rd January 2026, I was playing at my home club, Bruntsfield Links Golfing Society in Edinburgh (4th Oldest Golf Club in the world. It was my regular Tuesday winter league stableford and, of course, since there were four of us we were also playing a pairs match on the side. It did not start well - my drive on the 1st hole went out of bounds. After the 4th hole I still hadn't registered a par. I apologised to my playing partner and promised to get myself sorted. On the 5th, I scored a par 3, on the 6th I sank a 25ft put for a birdie 3. Then to the 7th - a par 3, 128 yards on the day, into a breeze. I had the honour and played a 7 iron. It was a beauty and I knew it would be close but the hole was hidden behind a raised bunker and so didn't see it finish. Colin, my opponent hit a similarly nice shot but when we reached the green only one ball was available. I assumed it to be mine but was surprised when Colin claimed it and that was the first time I dared to think it might be in the hole which it was. After half a century of golf, I feel that a monkey has been finally removed from my back! Of course, as per tyhe tradition in my club, I bought a bottle of whisky - a very nice 12 year old Glenfiddich which all of my Tuesday regulars quickly drank half of. The remainder was left on the bar with a sign inviting members to enjoy it.