Andrew Jarrett regards Mount Coolum Golf Club as his “second home”. As a Long Term Visitor from Panama in Central America, Andrew has had annual extended stays with us here at Mount Coolum since 2017.
However, after Saturdays competition – where Andrew hit a Hole in One – he might just try to convince his wife Dannie to make Australia and Mount Coolum a permanent home! At the very least, the Mount Coolum Golf Club will always hold a special place in Andrew’s heart.
“It was my first hole in one and so naturally I was thrilled to finally join the club of those who have managed it”, said Andrew following his Ace. “It made my round, my day and probably my entire weekend! It was my first and, as we know, you always remember your first!”
The stroke itself sounds like most Hole in One stories, where the player is unsure of the shot, as are most of the group. The celebration doesn’t start until the ball is found in the hole, even if the group approach the green with a small inkling – or a mountain of hope from the player – that it could have gone in.
Andrew recalls “My 9 iron on the 12th flew directly at the flag. That usually means it’ll either be 20 metres short or long, but (playing partner) Jeff claimed he could see it leaning against the pin. Of course, I didn’t believe him. How could I?”
The rest of the foursome, including Andrew himself, hadn’t seen where the ball landed, so they all headed to the green in search of the result. Andrew was just hopeful it may have stayed within putting range, and wasn’t really expecting it to be in the hole.
But to Andrew’s delight, Jeff’s eyes were good and there was the ball, half hidden, and nestled up against the flagstick. And it was then that the celebration started.
“It’s taken 62 years for my first Hole in One, and it was fun. I hope I don’t have to wait until I’m 124 for my second!”
Andrew Jarrett (2nd from Left) celebrates his first Hole in One with playing partners Jeff Martin, Gary Herrmann and Andrew Stephenson.