Tom Heaton, 10, of Woonona, made history at Russell Vale by scoring a hole in one. Picture: KEN ROBERTSON
Ten-year-old Thomas Heaton became the youngest player to hole in one at Russell Vale Golf Club after an ace in his first tournament.
Eight months after taking up golf and weeks after being given an official handicap, Thomas whacked his five iron to ace the par 3, 123m 10th hole in stroke-play competition on Tuesday.
Senior ladies member Lorna Fleuren and Amos Hayes, who is in his 80s, watched on as playing partners, as Thomas stepped up and achieved every golfer's dream shot - but when he teed off he had no idea what was about to happen.
"It curved in the air," Thomas said. "It landed on the mount, then rolled down onto the green, then it just toppled, toppled, then went 'pop' into the hole.
"I jumped up and down."
Thomas's father Bill isn't a golfer but says his son has a talent for whatever sport he takes up.
"He has some natural sporting ability but obviously this is beyond that," Bill said.
"A friend took Thomas down to the driving range for a hit and since then he's got the golf bug."
The never-to-be-forgotten achievement will be etched in history on the honour roll at Russell Vale Golf Club.
And in true style for a 10-year-old, Thomas celebrated with unlimited lemonade at the club for the rest of the day.
The golf ball Thomas drove for his ace will also get special treatment and be mounted on a trophy for the young star to keep.
