Second hole-in-one for promising golfer

Most golfers yearn for just one hole-in-one to put up on the mantlepiece, but for Louis Van Ingen, he already has two next to his name, and he’s only 14.

Van Ingen walked to the tee of the 128-metre 8th hole at East Geelong Golf Club last Saturday, pulled out his eight iron and looked to put it on the green, but what followed were scenes of pure elation.

“It was going straight at the pin, it took the slope nicely and just rolled in,” Van Ingen said.

“I was with my mate and I was just so excited, running around, high-fiving each other, we got pretty carried away with it.”

Amazingly, it is not Van Ingen’s only ace. Three years ago he delivered the same feat on the 17th hole at Curlewis Golf Club.

Van Ingen said Saturday’s ball will make its way to his shelf, alongside the Curlewis hole-in-one ball.

“It’s sitting on the shelf next to the other one, it will stay right there.

“I’ll definitely remember that ball.”

Van Ingen, who plays off a handicap of 6, has high hopes for his golf game, the young gun harbouring ambitions to take his game to America with the long-term hope of turning professional.

Van Ingen loves the sport, he thrives on improving his game each day.

“It’s a real passion of mine.

“It’s addictive, I love getting better, playing with my mates.”

Van Ingen credited the fantastic coaching program Geelong offers. Coach Darrell Brown has been a huge influence on him and many other young golfers, helping him develop his game under the guidance of the coaching program.

Van Ingen is eyeing a couple of tournaments throughout December, priming his game for the Victorian Junior Regionals, which he was selected for. While the biggest event on the junior golf calendar, the Junior Vic Open will be held at Barwon Heads Golf Club.