Golfer, 94, lands his first hole in one on Norfolk course

Picture for feature in EDP golf mag Fairway on the course at Dunston Hall which had to close last year after the greens were vandalised. The greens are now looking good for the start of the new season. Pictured is the 17th green.Photo: Angela SharpeCopy: Tony WenhamFor: EDP Golf Mag FairwayArchant pics © 2008(01603) 772434 (Image: Archant © 2008)

Sprightly Arthur Ball made the shot during a seniors away trip to Dunston Hall, just outside Norwich, with his moment of glory coming on the 169-yard ninth hole.

Mr Ball, with a handicap of 26, helped his playing partners Trevor Sherington and Ian Jolly win the team competition.

His impressive feat was rewarded with a bottle of bubbly and a one-night stay away at the hotel.

Mr Ball, from Northamptonshire, said: 'It was an amazing day and one that I'll never forget. The club gave me a bottle of champagne on the day to celebrate, and to have now received this extra gift from Dunston Hall is very special. I'm very grateful to everyone.

'I always aim at the middle of the green, and don't even think about trying to get it in the hole.

'My playing partners said it was in the hole, but I told them that it must have rolled off the back of the green. However, when I got to the green it was there in the hole.

'I've been close on several previous occasions, but the ball has never dropped before - you need a bit of luck and I got it this time.'

Mr Ball, who scored the hole in one on April 1, said he 'thoroughly enjoyed' his visit to Dunston Hall, part of the QHotels group, and that was looking forward to returning later this year.

John Angus, group director of golf for QHotels, said: 'To be playing golf regularly at the age of 94 is an achievement in itself, so to get a hole-in-one is a remarkable feat and one which Arthur should be very proud of.'

The hotel has a 6,275-yard, par-71 18-hole championship golf course.

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