G-Mac's Expensive Habit: Another Hole-in-One, Another Pricey Wine Bottle

Graeme McDowell, affectionately known as G-Mac, lightheartedly acknowledged another impending significant wine bill after achieving a hole-in-one for the second consecutive week during recent professional golf tournaments.

The 46-year-old golfer from Portrush had already recorded the sixth ace of his competitive career with a second-round 63 at an event in Hong Kong just the previous week.

Remarkably, only seven days later, his tally of competitive aces rose to seven. This latest feat occurred when he holed out with a nine-iron on the 168-yard second hole (which was his 15th hole of the round) at Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore.

“I had just narrowly missed a short putt for par on the first hole, so I was actively trying to maintain my composure and patience,” McDowell explained. “Then, on the second, I struck a beautiful nine-iron directly at the hole, willing it to drop. Suddenly, sweat ran into my eyes, blurring my vision, and I actually didn't even see it go in.”

Reflecting on the financial implications, he added, “That ace cost me a very expensive bottle of wine last week in Hong Kong, and I fully expect this one to cost me another very expensive bottle of wine, which I am certainly looking forward to.”

Coincidentally, both his recent aces occurred with the pin positioned at the front-right of the green.

“Yes, front-right pins seem to be the sweet spot, I suppose. It was a seven-iron in Hong Kong, and only a nine-iron today,” McDowell mused. “Regardless, it was a fantastic feeling. It certainly tidies up the scorecard quite nicely.”

He continued, “That third tee shot is typically quite demanding, but immediately after sinking a hole-in-one, it feels even more so. I was quite relieved to see that shot land safely in the fairway on the third hole as well.”

“Overall, it was another challenging day out here. This is truly a magnificent golf course that consistently demands your full focus. And naturally, hole-in-ones definitely provide a significant boost.”

McDowell ultimately finished his round with a one-under 70, leaving him tied for 15th place at three-under par overall. He was seven strokes behind the tournament leader, Bryson DeChambeau.

The powerful American golfer, DeChambeau, posted an impressive six-under 65, establishing a three-shot lead at 10-under par. He was trailed by a group of competitors including Thomas Detry, Louis Oosthuizen, Jon Rahm, Lee Westwood, and wildcard entry Richard T. Lee.

Fellow golfer Tom McKibbin concluded his round tied for 24th at one-under par, nine shots off the lead, after carding a one-over 72. However, his team, Legion XIII, was performing strongly in the team standings, positioned in second place and trailing DeChambeau’s Crushers GC by just three strokes.