[비즈한국] A hole-in-one is every golfer's dream. It is the dream of all dreams. Is there anything more thrilling than the joy of sinking a shot into the hole with just a single stroke in golf? Let’s imagine and reenact the most typical hole-in-one scene. Someone takes a shot on a par-3. Watching the shot, the playing partners or the caddie shout, “It’s in!” “Really?” “It went in!” The exclamations of excitement, “Hole-in-one!” follow. The golfer who made the hole-in-one raises both arms and freezes in that moment, savoring the pure joy like a still frame. If the group behind was watching, they receive their enthusiastic congratulations as well. They receive a hole-in-one certificate from the golf course, take commemorative photos with their partners, and share the excitement of the feat. That hole-in-one will be talked about by the partners time and time again. “I saw it myself, and I felt chills all over my body when it rolled along the slope and went in perfectly.” These are the kinds of reviews for a hole-in-one.
So why does the ‘hole-in-one’ become the protagonist of such intense celebration and endless storytelling? First, it’s about the probability. It is said that the probability of an average amateur golfer making a hole-in-one is 1 in 12,000. For a professional golfer, the probability is naturally significantly higher, but still 1 in 2,500. It is said that a high-level golfer with a handicap under 10 has a 20 percent chance of making a hole-in-one if they play 1,000 rounds over 40 years, playing 25 rounds per year. At this probability, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say it’s nearly impossible. Many golfers finish their entire lives without ever hitting a hole-in-one, even if they play golf once every week. As a result, one of the most common questions among golfers is, “Have you ever had a hole-in-one?” If they are a bit more experienced, it becomes, “How many holes-in-one have you had?” Statistically, high-level players or pros are more likely to make one, but these slim odds are merely statistics. Even golf legend Tiger Woods has only recorded three holes-in-one in official tournaments. And those were before 2000, when he was in his twenties. This proves that skill doesn't necessarily lead to more holes-in-one.
For an amateur golfer in Korea, a hole-in-one is the result of ‘luck’ and ‘fortune’ added to their skills. This is because not only the shot, but the wind direction, the bounce of the ball, and the condition of the grass must all align perfectly. Sometimes, through a rock, a tree, a sprinkler, or some unintended, miraculous twist, a hole-in-one emerges. That is why Korean golfers consider a hole-in-one to be ‘heavenly luck.’ They rejoice, believing this luck will extend to their lives outside the golf course. “I got a hole-in-one, so I’ll have good luck for the next three years.” Or, “Wouldn't just seeing a hole-in-one bring me good fortune?” It’s the same sentiment.
Indeed. For Korean golfers, a hole-in-one is a bit different from that of golfers in other countries. Because a hole-in-one wards off bad luck and invites good fortune, the Korean culture dictates that the positive energy should be shared not only with oneself but also with the companions who were present. Consequently, the celebrations are bound to be extravagant. When I first started playing golf and visiting courses, what surprised me was the ‘hole-in-one commemorative tree.’ Someone would hit a hole-in-one and plant a magnificent tree to celebrate their glorious moment, sharing that luck with the golf course in the form of a beautiful tree. Of course, this was for members of private golf clubs. It used to be like that.
In the past, hitting a hole-in-one meant handing out generous tips to the caddie and cash gifts to the front desk staff. Rice cakes or cash gifts were often given to the operations department as well. Golfers would create and distribute hole-in-one balls to close club members, and a commemorative round was an essential course of action. Even if one wasn't a member of a private club, a significant amount of money was spent after a hole-in-one. Why do you think hole-in-one insurance exists? Insurance that covers the costs of a hole-in-one? This insurance itself is a ‘hole-in-one cultural product’ unique to Korea. Because of the massive fallout from this, some golfers have confessed that they didn’t feel purely happy even after hitting a hole-in-one. It seems only Korean golfers have had to pay such a huge price for a hole-in-one.
This unparalleled ‘hole-in-one culture’ in Korea is changing. If you ask golfers recently, some even ask back, “Why should I give a tip to the caddie just because I hit a hole-in-one?” Things like ‘buying a round for the group behind at the rest area’ have become like legends from the past. In particular, the newly joined younger generation tends to skip hole-in-one souvenirs altogether. Instead of the gradually disappearing commemorative balls, balls inscribed with the phrase ‘Please, Hole-in-one’ have appeared. While the thrill of a hole-in-one is indescribably great, shouldn't the excess used to celebrate it be stripped away? That is golf that fits the modern era. It’s popular golf for more people, not just a league of their own. A hole-in-one should be ‘luck.’ It should not be ‘burdensome luck.’
Who is the author, Kang Chan-wook? An advertiser and writer. Starting as a copywriter at Cheil Worldwide, he is currently the CEO of the video production company ‘The Gaze of the Times.’ Passionate about golf, he obtained his USGTF teaching professional certification, and with his love for writing, he has published golf books such as ‘The Joy of Golf,’ ‘Bad Golf,’ ‘Sincere Golf,’ and ‘Golf Thoughts, Thoughtful Golf.’ He runs the YouTube channel ‘Bad Golf,’ sharing various stories and thoughts surrounding golf with his readers and viewers.