Victor Perez etched his name into US Open history on Friday, achieving a remarkable feat at the notoriously challenging Oakmont Country Club. The French golfer sank a hole-in-one on the par-3 sixth hole, marking only the second ace ever recorded at Oakmont during a US Open. His impressive shot, a 7-iron from 192 yards, bounced a few times before settling just three feet from the cup, finally dropping in to the delight of spectators and fellow players alike.
The excitement was palpable as Perez celebrated his incredible achievement. He enthusiastically raised his arms, shared a chest bump with his caddie, and celebrated with fellow golfers Adam Schenk and Jacob Bridgeman. The gallery erupted in applause, recognizing the rarity and skill of the shot.
Perez himself acknowledged the element of luck involved, stating, “Obviously, a hole-in-one takes a little bit of luck. Honestly, I was trying to hit something maybe 15-20 feet past the hole. Maybe it spun a little more and bounced in. I was a little fortunate, which I’ll definitely take.” This was reportedly the ninth hole-in-one of his career, a testament to his skill and a lucky break at just the right moment.
This momentous occasion adds another chapter to Oakmont’s rich history. The last recorded hole-in-one at the club during a US Open was in 1983, when Scott Simpson aced the 16th hole in the first round. Perez’s ace was a welcome boost after a somewhat shaky start to his second round, helping him recover and finish the day tied for sixth place at 1-over par.
Meanwhile, Sam Burns ended the day leading the pack at 3-under par, aiming to improve on his ninth-place finish in last year’s US Open. Perez’s incredible shot, however, undoubtedly stole the show, making for a memorable day at Oakmont and a historic moment for French golf.
