Playing with a buddy on a gorgeous Friday afternoon, I had been sluggin' around the yard pretty good (meaning not so good).

I had turned in a couple solid holes in a row when we reached the Par 3 14th playing 121 yards from the Back Tees. Wind was gusting to 20mph from left to right on this hole.

The 14th green is set on a slope down to a pond that must be carried to reach. The pin was middle back left at the top end of slope that speeds toward the water at the bottom of the green.

As we walked off the 13th, I mentioned to my guest, who was playing lights out on his first 2012 round and only 2nd on this course, that "the last time I played the 14th was during our Masters Par 3 contest where I hit almost Aced it; hitting it to 6 inches."

Well, sure enough, same pin, similar tee box location, and I played a punch 9-iron (with my Titleist 755 and Pro V1x) perfectly to the middle of the green with a slight draw spin. It checked and spun right, rolled 20 ft and just as it started to take the slope down, it found the cup and dropped in!! So I've played that hole at -3 so far this season (after 4 rounds).

It was a thrilling experience and great to have a buddy to share it with. Fortunately had just paid the prior month's bill with the Hole-in-One Insurance!!

Eric Johnson