An amateur golfer who was born with one arm “went ballistic” after producing one of the most remarkable moments in PGA Tour history, drawing gasps of disbelief by hitting a hole-in-one on the first day of the Pro-Am in California.
A veteran of the competition, Laurent Hurtubise is taking on professionals including former Open and PGA Championship Phil Mickelson for the $6.7 million prize this year.
The Canadian, who plays with his left arm, teed off with an iron from 151 yards at the fourth hole of the PGA West Stadium Course.
His shot landed on the green and rolled flush on to the flagstick before dropping for a perfect effort during the first round of play.
Former Tour winner Greg Chalmers, who was part of Hurtubise’s group, was stunned by the shot. “It was unreal,” he admitted.
“He’s as cool as a cucumber. He hit the shot and it was a nice little cut for a leftie.
One of the team he exchanged high-fives with was his partner for the round, professional Troy Merritt.
“That was the coolest experience I’ve had on the golf course,” admitted Merritt, a three-time PGA Tour winner.
Hurtubise has worked as a car salesman in Montreal while excelling at golf after taking to the course for the first time at the age of 11.
He enjoys helping families by talking about overcoming a disability at his local hospital – and now has the story of possibly the finest drive of his career to inspire them with.
