CLEVELAND — Sal Hartman is just a normal guy, living in Hudson, Ohio. Last week he accomplished something not even PGA Tour professionals can claim.
Two hole-in-ones...in the same week. Same club, a 5-iron, two completely different courses, two completely different holes. Unthinkable. Mathematically near-impossible.
"I don't play that often," Hartman jokes about the pair of hole-in-ones. "I just play on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and sometimes on Tuesdays."
Yes, Hartman loves his golf. The longtime member at Firestone Country Club in Akron however admits he's between an 8-9 handicap index, and understands he joins some rare territory in a now having three career hole-in-ones.
The first hole-in-one last week came at Firestone North, Hole No. 11. That was followed just four days later another ace at Firestone South (the main course the PGA players play), Hole No. 5 just days later.
Hartman's first career hole-in-one came back in 1994.
"April 29th, 1994. My father died on March 16th of that year," Hartman explained. "We were down at Eaglesticks in Zanesville, Ohio. April 29th was my dad's birthday."
Hartman will receive a plaque forever inside Firestone Country Club's clubhouse.
His advice to other local players still in search of their first hole-in-one?
"Just play," Hartman says. "This is a great sport. I played a lot of sports growing up, but this is still a game as you get older you can compete and play with friends. Get out and play!"
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