A seven-year-old golfer has achieved something many golfers never do in their entire careers - he has hit a hole-in-one.
Freddie Sage hit the incredible shot off the tee on the sixth hole at Knebworth Golf Course just before Christmas – which, although it had been shortened for young golfers, still measured a distance of 100 yards and was ranked as a par three.
What’s more, Freddie hit the shot after playing golf for just 12 weeks, having started youth coaching sessions as part of the Jack Mudd Academy – a youth coaching programme set up in memory of Jack, a promising Stevenage golfer who tragically died in a car crash aged just 19.
Club professional Gary Parker told the Comet: “I’ve never heard of anything like this before, and I’ve been in the game for 36 years. It’s exceptional, completely unique.
“It was the perfect shot. It wasn’t just one of those flukey things – he hit it straight off the tee and it was a proper golfing shot.”
The incredible achievement came during a coaching session where young trainees were taking part in an introduction to the main golf course at Knebworth.
Ian Parker, who coaches Freddie along with fellow Knebworth professional Ryan Kearns, said: “It was a chance for the youngsters who had been doing coaching with us to get on the course and experience it for the first time.
“It must be a record of some kind to hit a hole-in-one the first time out on the course at seven years old.
“I was in shock really. I was helping another kid out and I just looked up and saw it happen.
“It was a beautiful shot. It climbed in the air and bounced once or twice and then just went straight in.
“Everyone was doing aeroplanes down the fairway to celebrate – it was fantastic.”
He added: “We’re getting so many children coming in through the academy and showing an interest in golf.
“This particular boy showed a real passion for playing, and came along every Saturday morning to coaching. He was doing extra practice on the range or in the nets.
“It’s really funny because many golfers try their whole careers to do something like this, and this boy just steps up and holes it.”
The Jack Mudd Academy was set up by his family and the club after Jack’s death in October 2015. They raised funds to set up a short practice course, which is free for youngsters to use.
The academy now has its own kit and badge, and offers free coaching sessions to get young golfers involved.
Jack had been a member of Stevenage and Knebworth golf clubs, and was a third-year student at The Golf College in West Sussex.
Children can attend free coaching sessions at the club on February 17 and 24 between 1pm and 2pm, or on February 18 and 25 between 10am and 11am or 11.30am and 12.30pm.
Email ianparker@knebworthgolfclub.com or call 07940 570107 to find out more.
You can still donate to help fund the academy at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jack-mudd.
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