Excitement as Ekine joins exclusive hole-in-one club

There was jubilation at Lafarge Golf Club, Sagamu, as Akonte Ekine, playing off a handicap of 28 using five iron, etched his name in the history books by achieving a spectacular hole-in-one success.

Akonte delivered the remarkable shot on the 16th hole. The 128-meter par-3, notorious for its combination of water hazards and massive, towering and imposing trees, became the stage for this momentous feat under the scorching afternoon sun.

A hole-in-one, also known as an ace, occurs when a golfer strikes the ball directly from the tee into the cup. This rare achievement is revered in golf for its combination of skill, precision, and a touch of luck.

The historic moment was first announced by the front caddie, sending ripples of excitement through Akonte’s flight members, Otunba Caleb Adeyemo (handicap 26), Hakeem Amoo (handicap 23), and Olaitan Shabi (handicap 24). All expressed their joy and admiration for the incredible shot.

Reacting to the feat, Hakeem Amoo described it as a “unique and worthy achievement,” while Olaitan Shabi remarked that witnessing such a feat in a flight for the first time was a story to cherish, just as Otunba Caleb Adeyemo praised the shot as “a testament to Akonte’s commitment to the game.”

Akonte dedicated the achievement to his wife, Adeola Ekine, his children, and members of both the Titans Group at Sadiq Abubakar Golf Club and Lafarge Golf Club, appreciating the opportunity to play among such inspiring individuals.

According to the National Hole-in-One Registry, established in 2006, the odds of achieving this milestone are 12,500 to one for amateurs and 2,500 to one for professionals. The first-ever recorded hole-in-one dates back to 1868, achieved by Tom Morris at the Prestwick Open Championship.

Akonte’s incredible shot not only cements his place in golf’s ace players’ list but also brings pride and inspiration to his fellow golfers in the country.