In a remarkable display of golfing prowess, former Florida State pitcher and Tallahassee State College baseball coach Bryan Henry etched his name in the annals of the sport with a stunning hole-in-one on a par-4 hole during a Fellowship of Christian Athletes tournament. The feat, which is statistically rarer than a traditional ace on a par-3, left Henry and his playing partners in a state of disbelief and celebration. But the story doesn't end there, as Henry's remarkable round continued to unfold with a near-albatross on the very next hole, showcasing his exceptional skill and the unpredictable nature of the game.
Defying the Odds: A Golfer's Improbable Hole-in-One
A Rare Feat on the Links
The odds of a handicap player like Henry, who carries an 8.5 handicap, making a hole-in-one on a par-3 hole are already staggeringly high, estimated at 12,000 to 1 by the National Hole-in-One Registry. However, the registry's response to an inquiry about the odds of an ace on a par-4 hole was even more astounding – more than 1 million to 1. This underscores the sheer improbability of Henry's achievement, a feat that left his playing partners and onlookers in a state of disbelief.The Moment of Triumph
As Henry's group approached the 346-yard 14th hole, the scene unfolded in a manner that defied expectations. Initially, the group thought Henry had hit his tee shot over the green, prompting a frantic search around the putting surface and in the bunkers. It was only when Henry took a closer look that the group discovered the yellow Callaway Hexagonal ball resting safely in the hole, a testament to his remarkable accuracy and power.The Emotional Aftermath
The reaction from Henry and his playing partners was one of pure elation and astonishment. "Shocked ... blown away," Henry recounted, describing the moment. The group's celebration mirrored the rarity of the accomplishment, with Henry's teammates jumping up and down and tackling each other in a joyous dogpile. The downhill, downwind conditions and Henry's solid strike only added to the sense of disbelief, as the ball's trajectory and landing were not easily visible to the naked eye.The Encore Performance
But Henry's remarkable round was far from over. On the very next hole, a 481-yard par-5, he unleashed a 330-yard tee shot down the middle of the fairway. His group then watched in anticipation as Henry's second shot landed on the green and nearly trickled into the hole, which would have resulted in a back-to-back albatross – an even rarer feat in the sport of golf.The Missed Opportunity
Alas, the golfing gods had other plans. Henry faced a downhill putt of just under 3 feet for eagle, but the sheer excitement and adrenaline of the previous hole seemed to get the better of him, and he missed the putt. Fortunately, his playing partner, former TSC coach Mike McLeod, stepped up and sank the eagle putt, salvaging the group's impressive score of 61 gross and 56 net. However, the missed opportunity left Henry still "shaking" from the emotional rollercoaster of his remarkable round.A Storied Career Continues
Henry's golfing prowess extends far beyond his recent exploits on the course. As a former standout pitcher for the Florida State Seminoles, he compiled an impressive collegiate career, going 32-9 and earning three first-team All-ACC selections. His transition to coaching at Tallahassee State College has also been a success, with the team posting a 53-45 record in his first two seasons at the helm.The FSGA Comes to the First Coast
In a separate but equally exciting development, the Florida State Golf Association (FSGA) has announced that it will be bringing three state championships to the First Coast region in 2025. This includes the prestigious 64th Florida Senior Open, which will be held at the Ponte Vedra Inn and Club, marking the first time the nearly 100-year-old club has hosted a major state championship.A Busy Holiday Golf Season Ahead
The First Coast golf calendar is also set to be bustling with activity during the late November and December holiday period. The World Golf Village courses will be hosting a series of FSGA Winter Series events, including women's and men's tournaments, providing golfers with ample opportunities to showcase their skills and enjoy the sport during the festive season.
