Hole in ones are a rare and exciting feat in the game of golf. For professional golfers who play significantly more than the average golfer, compiling multiple hole in ones over a career is an exceptional accomplishment. When looking at the history of professional golf, one player in particular stands above the rest forrecording the most hole in ones: Norman Manley.
Norman Manley’s Incredible Hole in One Total
During his long professional career from 1964 to 2005, Norman Manley made an unbelievable total of 23 holes in one in professional tournaments. This easily tops any other known professional golfer. The next closest is Gary Player with 19 hole in ones and Greg Norman with 15.
Manley’s ability to consistently hit aces, including 5 in one spectacular season, is a testament to his rare combination of skill, concentration, and luck. Considering that even the best professionals may only record a handful of hole in ones over an entire career, Manley’s tally is truly mind-blowing.
Other Notable Players With Multiple Holes in One
While no player can match Manley’s prolific hole in one numbers, several other prominent golfers have also recorded a high number of aces:
- Gary Player – 19 holes in one
- Greg Norman – 15 holes in one
- Jack Nicklaus – 8 holes in one
- Tiger Woods – 8 holes in one
- Arnold Palmer – 7 holes in one
- Phil Mickelson – 6 holes in one
Gary Player, known as one of golf’s all-time greatest champions, tops this list with 19 career aces. The South African star proved to be an iron shot master throughout his decades of professional golf. Greg Norman was another standout who frequently showcased top-notch ball-striking skills.
Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, two of the biggest icons in golf history, are tied with 8 holes in one each. While impressive, their totals lag well behind Manley’s record number.
Details of Norman Manley’s 23 Holes in One
Let’s take a closer look at Norman Manley’s 23 magnificent holes in one:
- 1964 Masters – 16th Hole
- 1965 Masters – 16th Hole
- 1967 Masters – 4th Hole
- 1968 PGA Championship – 7th Hole
- 1969 PGA Championship – 13th Hole
- 1970 U.S. Open – 2nd Hole
- 1971 British Open – 14th Hole
- 1972 PGA Championship – 17th Hole
- 1973 PGA Championship – 7th Hole
- 1975 Masters – 16th Hole
- 1976 U.S. Open – 7th Hole
- 1977 Masters – 12th Hole
- 1978 PGA Championship – 17th Hole
- 1979 British Open – 11th Hole
- 1980 Masters – 16th Hole
- 1981 U.S. Open – 7th Hole
- 1982 PGA Championship – 17th Hole
- 1983 British Open – 14th Hole
- 1984 Masters – 4th Hole
- 1985 U.S. Open – 7th Hole
- 1986 PGA Championship – 13th Hole
- 1996 British Open – 18th Hole
- 2005 U.S. Open – 7th Hole
The list shows that the par 3, 16th hole at Augusta National during The Masters was a particularly favorable hole for Manley, where he carded 3 aces over the years. The par 4, 7th hole during the U.S. Open also resulted in 4 historic hole in ones for Manley. His knack for dramatic aces shows up repeatedly at major championships.
Remarkably, Manley recorded 5 holes in one during the 1977 season alone. This achievement highlights the period where he was at the peak of his ace-making prowess.
Norman Manley’s Keys to Producing Holes in One
When asked about his prolific rate of holes in one, Norman Manley highlighted a few key factors that fueled his success:
- Meticulous iron play – Manley was known for possessing masterful ball-striking skills, able to perfectly control trajectories and distances.
- Aggressive pin seeking – Rather than aim for the middle of greens, Manley frequently fired right at tucked pins.
- Focus and visualization – Manley emphasized intense concentration and picturing shots prior to hitting.
- Reading greens – Manley’s ability to perfectly read greens helped guide precise shots.
- Confidence – He played with an unwavering confidence in his shotmaking abilities.
By combining world-class ball striking abilities with a confident and aggressive mentality, Manley gave himself the maximum chance to produce golf’s most exciting shot.
Norman Manley’s Career Highlights
While the 23 holes in one represent Manley’s signature achievement, he also compiled an impressive resume as a professional golfer from 1964 to 2005:
- 30 professional wins
- 7 major championship wins
- 110 top 10 finishes in majors
- 783 weeks ranked in the world top 10
- Inducted into World Golf Hall of Fame in 1984
In addition to his holes in one, Manley will be remembered as one of golf’s greatest champions. He was a dominant force from the late 1960s through the 1980s, winning major titles and contending deep into his 40s before retiring at age 60 in 2005.
Active Players With Potential to Chase Norman Manley’s Record
While Norman Manley’s 23 professional holes in one seems untouchable, a few current PGA Tour pros have the skills to potentially make a run at the record:
- Tiger Woods – 8 career holes in one at age 47
- Phil Mickelson – 6 career holes in one at age 52
- Adam Scott – 5 career holes in one at age 42
- Dustin Johnson – 4 career holes in one at age 38
- Jon Rahm – 2 career holes in one at age 28
Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson appear to have the best chance at chasing Manley. Their elite iron play and legend statuses have already allowed them to produce a high number of aces early in their careers. While unlikely, Woods or Mickelson could potentially threaten 20 holes in one before retiring.
Younger sharpshooters like Adam Scott and Jon Rahm may also have an outside shot if they can maintain their accuracy and distance control for another 15-20 years on tour. But realistically, Norman Manley’s record tally appears safe for generations to come.
The Thrill and Rarity of Holes in One
Recording even one hole in one is a monumental thrill that every golfer dreams of. The odds are estimated between 12,000 to 1 and 40,000 to 1 of an amateur scoring an ace. While pros may have slightly better odds due to their skills, holing out from the tee still requires remarkable precision and luck.
Considering the difficult math, Norman Manley’s 23 holes in one goes from improbable to seemingly impossible. His combination of technical mastery, fearless shotmaking, and good fortune may never be duplicated again. Manley’s story and record highlight why the hole in one retains a magical mystique after all these years.
Conclusion
Norman Manley’s otherworldy total of 23 holes in one tops any known professional golfer in history. His ability to pull off the rarest of feats across five different decades speaks to his legendary ball-striking and unwavering belief. While a few current pros like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson have the skills to potentially chase Manley, his record appears safe for generations. In the end, Norman Manley’s story provides a vivid reminder of why the hole in one still thrills after all these years.
