Making a hole-in-one is one of the hardest things to achieve in golf. It doesn’t happen often, even for professionals.
But three in one day? That happened Monday at the 2023 U.S. Girls’ Junior at Eisenhower Golf Club’s Blue Course in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Three different players carded aces in the first round of stroke play. First, Veronika Exposito of The Woodlands, Texas, flushed a 5-hybrid from 162 yards out on the third hole. Then, Emerie Schartz of Wichita, Kansas, aced the 143-yard seventh with a 7 iron. Last but not least, 2023 U.S. Women’s Open qualifier Angela Zhang essentially mimicked Schartz, using a 7 iron on the seventh.
The aces are the 23rd, 24th and 25th known holes-in-one in championship history, and they’re the first since 2021. For Schartz, it was her second competitive ace in a month.
Emerie’s second ace in one month!
#USGirlsJunior pic.twitter.com/eEDJbh1l3N
— USGA (@USGA) July 17, 2023
The three holes-in-one matches the most in a single U.S. Girls’ Junior. Three were also made in 2004 at Mira Vista Golf Club in Fort Worth, Texas, including one by future U.S. Women’s Open champion Paula Creamer.
After the first round, Anna Davis, the 2022 Augusta National Women’s Amateur champion, was one of four players tied for the lead after shooting a 4-under 68. She carded eight birdies in her round but also had four bogeys.
The second round of stroke play continues Tuesday. After play finishes, the field will be cut to the top 64, who will advance to match play.