Arizona golfer defies the odds, makes two holes-in-one in same round

The National Hole-in-One Registry says the odds of making two aces in one round are 67 million-to-1.

The National Hole-in-One Registry has determined that the odds of making two aces in one round are 67 million-to-1.

Cliff Romme just defied those odds.

Playing Orange Tree Golf Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona, the 77-year-old had two holes-in-one in a four-hole stretch during a recent round.

“It started off as probably my worst round in several weeks. I just could not keep the ball in the right spots,” Romme told Phoenix TV station Fox 10 about the inauspicious start to his day. But then came the par-3, 124-yard fourth hole.

After teeing off, he didn’t see it go in. In fact, as he approached the green, he had his wedge in his hands because he didn’t see his ball on the green. That’s when one of his playing partners told him “look in the hole,” Romme said. “And here it was.”

Three holes later was the par-3 seventh.

“I hit it again and the ball, it was another nice hit,” he said. “It felt good, it went up high, had a little bit of a draw, hit the green and rolled down the hill and right in hole.”

This time he kept his eyes, and ears, on the ball.

“Clunk. We could actually hear it,” he said. “I was a little numb. I couldn’t believe it.”

Orange Tree later gave him a red pin flag as a souvenir.

One of 40 in an area golf group dubbed “The Bogey Boys”, Romme did admit that he bought a lottery ticket on his way home, just in case there still some luck left in his day, but he struck out with that purchase.

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Photos: 2023 WM Phoenix Open Monday qualifier at McCormick Ranch

The Monday qualifier at McCormick Ranch in Scottsdale featured 96 golfers.

The 2023 WM Phoenix Open Monday qualifier at McCormick Ranch featured 96 golfers bidding to nab one of three spots, the final three spots, in the “People’s Open.”

The Monday qualifier for the Phoenix Open has become a stacked event, with a slew of veteran PGA Tour golfers bidding to get into what this year is a $20 million designated event.

First place at TPC Scottsdale is worth $3.6 million. Second place is $2.18 million. Even third place is in the seven figures at $1.38 million. Solo 64th-place would net a golfer $43,000.

That’s why there were so many veteran PGA Tour golfers taking a crack at making the WMPO field.

Joe Neuheisel, son of former college football coach Rick Neuheisel, wins Arizona Amateur Championship

Joe Neuheisel is making a name for himself.

Joe Neuheisel is making a name for himself.

The son of Rick Neuheisel, who was the head coach of the college football programs at Colorado, Washington and UCLA, won the 98th Arizona Amateur Championship with a 2-and-1 victory over Camden Braidech at Desert Mountain Club’s Outlaw Course in Scottsdale, Arizona, on Saturday.

Neuheisel made four straight birdies from the eighth hole through the 11th, and then won the 12th to take a 5-up lead, before claiming the championship on the 17th hole.

“It’s a dream week, a lot of fun, a lot of golf, but everyone who knows me knows you can’t get me off the golf course, so it was as good as it gets,” said Neuheisel.

Rick Neuheisel grew up in nearby Tempe, Arizona, before playing quarterback at UCLA. Son Joe, 25, played his college golf for the Bruins as well as Boise State.

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Jon Rahm talks about honoring Pat Tillman on his golf shoes

Jon Rahm talks about his first round at the Waste Management Phoenix Open and how he is honoring Pat Tillman with his golf shoes. Both went to Arizona State.

Jon Rahm talks about his first round at the Waste Management Phoenix Open and how he is honoring Pat Tillman with his golf shoes. Both went to Arizona State.

Waste Management Phoenix Open preview

Golfweek’s Adam Schupak discusses the players and storylines at the Waste Management Phoenix Open this week.

Golfweek’s Adam Schupak discusses the players and storylines at the Waste Management Phoenix Open this week.