As reported by England Golf, Sunday 4th August 2024 was a remarkable day for seven-year-old Walter Hall, who was stepping out on to Ross-on-Wye Golf Club to play nine holes for the very first time.
After shooting 5, 6, 6, 7, 8, 11 in his first six holes off the navy tees, he stood on the tricky 111-yard 7th tee and struck the perfect shot.
Father Tim, caddying for his son who was playing alongside two other members, couldn’t believe it. He said: “I’m super proud of Walt’s achievement and to witness the shot was an amazing feeling. What’s even more crazy is that he’s got one before me!
“After it went in, I asked him how it felt and he just replied, ‘It feels amazing, but can we play another nine holes after we finish?’ As we made our way back to the clubhouse, all the members and everyone around were cheering. It was just incredible and the atmosphere was electric!”
Walter, an avid sports enthusiast, has been progressing through the seven-stage junior coaching programme at Ross-on-Wye under the guidance of his father (Tim Hall School of Golf), and his idol, world number one Scottie Scheffler, picked up the gold medal at the Olympics on the very same day that he achieved his incredible feat.
And after shooting 54 on his first attempt at nine holes, Walter said: “I loved playing my first game of golf and getting a hole-in-one! One day I want to be just like Scottie Scheffler, he’s amazing!”
England Golf Junior Development Manager Laura Yapp said: “What a remarkable achievement and what a moment it must have been for both Walter and his dad, and all his friends. Hopefully he goes on to enjoy the game for many years and that his achievement inspires other youngsters to want to pick up a club and play golf!”
While the usual celebratory tradition might be buying a bottle of scotch in the clubhouse, it was obviously a slightly different celebration for young Walter, who enjoyed a lively pizza party with his friends in the evening.
Walter’s achievement may be a proud moment for his family and his club, but it serves as a reminder that golf is a game that can enjoyed by all ages, and that any achievements can be within reach!
