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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
Sport
Gareth Fullerton

Co Down golfer celebrates fourth hole-in-one at same course

Every golfer dreams of getting a hole-in-one in their lifetime - but imagine getting four at the same course.

Co Down golfer Stephen McCollam was celebrating that incredible feat at the weekend.

The 55-year-old, who is originally from the Suffolk area of West Belfast, drove one home at the Par 3 16th at Dunmurry Golf Club on Saturday.

It completed an incredible run for Stephen, who has previously recorded 'aces' at the three other Par 3 holes on the course.

Reflecting on his latest hole-in-one, the 5-handicap golfer said: "I didn't realise it had gone in from the tee. The 16th green is hidden from the tee.

"When I went to the green I thought the ball had maybe bounced off one of the banks and ended up in the bunker.

"It was only when I checked in the hole that I saw my ball. I couldn't believe it.

"I suppose it is a pretty cool achievement. Four hole-in-ones at the same course is something different."

Stephen added: "I got my first one about three years ago. And now I have the full set.

"I have been a member of Dunmurry since I was a child, so I obviously know the course quite well.

"Many golfers never get a hole-in-one during their playing career, so I have been pretty fortunate.

"It was only when I came back to the clubhouse and put my clubs away that it dawned on me that I now have a hole-in-one at every par 3 on the course - the third, seventh, 12th and now 16th.

"It was never in the back of my mind that I had three and just needed one more for the full set. It's not as if I was saying 'right, I've got to go for it this time'.

"You just enjoy the moment each time and then forget about it. Each one is a different experience to the other. The last time I saw the ball go straight into the cup. This time I didn't have a clue."

With golfing tradition, any player who gets a hole-in-one has to buy a round of drinks for everyone at the clubhouse bar.

But thankfully Stephen's latest success didn't hit him too hard in the pocket.

"It wasn't too expensive. When I got back to the bar there were only about 10 or 15 people about," he said.

"And the bar have always been pretty good any time I have got a hole-in-one."

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