Golfer records hole-in-one two months after heart attack

Bill Shelley was only meant to be easing his way back into the game in a Texas Scramble at Dale Hill in Sussex. He suffered a heart attack in June and this was his first round back but he finished it with an incredible 10th career ace. 

The 85-year-old achieved the feat at the 5th hole of the Ian Woosnam course and the club of choice was a 'little rescue club' at the 145-yard hole.

“The doctor said I was alright, and I thought I’d go for it as it was a Texas Scramble, meaning I wouldn’t necessarily have to play every shot,” said Bill. “So I thought that would ease me into it… And it eased me into it very nicely, thank you very much!

“We couldn’t quite see if it had gone in, but it had lodged against the pin. When we got there, we could see it was in so that was pretty exciting.”

And, better still, the 18-handicapper was able to enjoy the moment back in the clubhouse.

“We have what we call tams at Dale Hill and for the Tuesday competition, and we all put £3 in at the beginning of the season. If you have a hole-in-one then your bar bill is paid by the tams committee. So there was £200 in the kitty and everybody enjoyed a drink!”