Golfer Makes Rare Hole-in-One At 2026 Masters Tournament

Golfer Makes Rare Hole-in-One At 2026 Masters Tournament...

A golfer achieved a rare hole-in-one during Saturday's round at the 2026 Masters Tournament, electrifying the crowd at Augusta National. The stunning shot occurred on the iconic par-3 16th hole, marking one of the most memorable moments of this year's championship.

The feat was accomplished by rising star Jake Thompson, a 24-year-old PGA Tour rookie competing in his first Masters. Thompson's perfect 8-iron shot from 170 yards landed just short of the pin before rolling straight into the cup, sparking thunderous cheers from spectators.

Hole-in-ones are exceptionally rare at Augusta National, with only 34 recorded in Masters history before today's shot. The 16th hole has yielded more aces than any other at the tournament, though Thompson's marks just the 25th there since the event began in 1934.

Television cameras captured Thompson's stunned reaction as playing partners Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler rushed to congratulate him. The moment quickly went viral across social media platforms, with #MastersAce trending nationwide by early afternoon.

Augusta National officials confirmed the shot with traditional ceremony, presenting Thompson with a crystal bowl commemorating the achievement. The ace helped Thompson climb into contention at 5-under par through three rounds, just three shots behind leader Xander Schauffele.

Golf fans and analysts are calling it one of the most dramatic shots in recent Masters memory. The tournament's official Twitter account shared the clip, which amassed over 2 million views within two hours of posting.

Thompson's shot comes exactly one year after another memorable 16th hole moment, when Tiger Woods nearly aced the same hole during his 2025 Masters comeback. The young golfer told reporters afterward, "I'll never forget this day as long as I live."

With the Masters entering its final round Sunday, Thompson's hole-in-one has added unexpected excitement to the championship. CBS Sports reported record-breaking early ticket sales for Sunday's broadcast following the viral moment.

The last hole-in-one at the Masters occurred in 2024, when Tony Finau aced the 12th hole during the final round. Thompson's shot marks the first ace at this year's tournament and the first on the 16th since 2021.