I hit my first HIO after 25+ years of golf! It happened at Los Serranos North Course in Chino Hills. Hole #17: 160 yds; 7 iron; Titleist AVX ball.

I hit a pure shot off the tee and it was tracking toward the hole, but the hazy sky made it hard to see where it ended. From our vantage the ball was nowhere to be seen.

The anticipation began to build as we headed toward the green. I grabbed my phone, just in case, and started recording as my friends approached the pin. They saw a ball in the hole and confirmed it was in, but I thought for sure they were kidding, so I kept yelling "shut up, shut up!" Until, that is, I reached the hole and verified it myself.

Oh what a feeling! It was like an out of body experience. A HIO was so unthinkable I didn't know how to properly celebrate (LOL), and I'm known for my celebrations. Special thanks to the group behind for patiently allowing us to soak in the moment.

Our next and final hole was the 18th. I had honors, of course, but was so emotionally drained and unable to focus. I hit the worst drive of the day, punched out of the trees, whiffed and chunked a chip shot, and ended with a triple bogey (total score of 82). A +3 after a -2! Normally I'd be upset, but not on this day, because I just joined the elite and exclusive HIO club, where only 1-2% of golfers achieve a HIO annually!

Praise God for this amazing experience! AND for allowing me to get one before my wife, Kat.

*Shout out to my compadres Frank, JY, and PH. A HIO is much more meaningful in the company of good friends. Much more costly, too, but worth every penny .