Hey Tony, looks like you aren't the only one who scored a hole-in-one this week. Thanks all for your contributions, Steve
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aPImj1a37XZk
Poulter Gets Masters Golf Souvenir With Hole-in-One at Augusta
By Michael Buteau
April 10 (Bloomberg) -- Ian Poulter walked off the course
at the Augusta National Golf Club today with a rare souvenir: a
hole-in-one ball that helped put him high on the Masters
Tournament leaderboard.
The 32-year-old Englishman aced the par-3 16th hole during
the first round when his 8-iron shot from 169 yards hit the
green and tracked 25 feet into the cup.
When he finished his 2-under-par 70 opening round to
briefly share the lead, Poulter's first mission was to locate
the keepsake.
``I asked my caddie at the back of 18, `Where did you put
that ball?''' Poulter said in a press conference. ``And he said,
`It's the one in your hand.'''
It wasn't.
Poulter had bogeyed the 17th hole and switched his ball for
a new one on the 18th tee.
``I always change after a bogey,'' said Poulter, who has
three holes-in-one in competition. ``So he dived straight back
in his pocket and found it. I'll stick it in the trophy
cabinet.''
Golf tradition calls for a player who makes an ace to buy
drinks in the clubhouse for everyone, an honor Poulter said he
would likely pass.
``I don't know if I can afford that, can I?'' asked
Poulter, who designs his own clothing line and has earned more
than $1 million on the course the past two years.
He said he's never worn a green jacket, such as the one
given to the Masters champion, but could come up with a pair of
slacks to match if he wins the tournament in three days.
`Shade of Green'
``I might have a shade of green to go with the jacket on
Sunday but we'll see whether it comes out; hopefully it does,''
Poulter said.
In addition to his golf ball, Poulter receives a large
crystal bowl (for a hole-in-one) and a pair of crystal goblets
(for an eagle) from the club for his achievement. It was his
second eagle in four Masters appearances, the first ace at the
Grand Slam tournament in three years and the 19th overall.
Poulter is known for his spiked hair and plaid pants. He
also made news with recent comments about four-time Masters
winner Tiger Woods.
In a March issue of Golf World magazine's European edition,
on which he appeared nude standing behind a golf bag, Poulter
said that when he plays to his potential ``it will just be me
and Tiger.''
The comments created a stir among golfers and fans.
Poulter, who has seven career victories and is ranked 24th in
the world, was asked about the issue again today following his
round.
`No. 2'
``I think I've weathered it pretty good,'' Poulter said.
``I was basically saying how good Tiger was and how achievable I
really think it is to get to the No. 2 spot. That's what I'm
trying to achieve right now.''
Even Woods, the winner of 13 major tournaments, has joked
with Poulter.
``Tiger laughs all the time about it,'' Poulter said. ``He
keeps calling me `No. 2,' which is nice. I guess I've just got
to keep playing better golf and I might get there.''
To contact the reporter on this story:
Michael Buteau in Augusta, Georgia at
mbuteau@bloomberg.net.
Last Updated: April 10, 2008 16:24 EDT