Great-grandad, 94, could be oldest golfer to get hole-in-one after miracle shot

A great-grandfather could be Britain's oldest golfer to achieve a hole-in-one after pulling off the remarkable feat aged 93.

Jack Ponsford secured an ace on the 135-yard third hole at Pannal Golf Club in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, last month.

The extraordinary shot marked the now 94 year old's maiden hole-in-one - potentially making him a record-breaker.

Derek Jackson is believed to have previously held the distinction as Britain's oldest golfer to score an ace, accomplishing the feat aged 92.

Mr Ponsford witnessed his ball roll into the cup alongside his regular playing companion George Bruce, 97.

Pannal Golf Club has since installed a commemorative plaque on the bar celebrating the remarkable achievement.

Jack revealed: "I hit the ball and it landed on the green and George said 'I think that's gone in the hole' and I didn't believe him.

"We walked down and there it was down the hole.

"It was the first hole-in-one I have ever had so it was very good. I couldn't believe it. I was really excited.

"I have got quite a lot of family who all play golf and none of them have ever had a hole-in-one either. So I am quite chuffed with that.

"I was definitely the oldest to ever get a hole in one at that golf course, and the pair of us might be the oldest duo in the country to get one. It could be a record."

Jack has been playing golf throughout his entire life and began at Pannal Golf Club when he relocated to the area in 1985. The grandad now plays golf twice a week to stay active, always opting to walk rather than use a buggy for fitness.

Jack previously worked in sales at Unilever before semi-retiring at 58, although he continued part-time work until the age of 68.

He shared his life with his wife Vera, and together they had three sons, seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren, until her passing in 2018.

The pensioner revealed that his entire family are golf enthusiasts, and he is optimistic about scoring more hole-in-ones in the future.

He said: "My wife and I used to play golf together before she died. I have never been a great golfer, but I enjoy it anyway.

"To get a hole in one was a lifetime achievement. A lot of people never get one.

"All my friends and family were excited. It really was amazing."

Pannal Golf Club posted on Facebook: "A huge congratulations to Jack Ponsford aged 93 for getting his first ever hole in 1 on the 3rd hole!".

"Even more remarkable was that it was witnessed by his playing partner and friend, George Bruce aged 97!".

"Could this be a world record for the oldest pairing involved in a hole in 1? !".

"Fantastic achievement and another reason we love golf!".