These 10 States Reported the Most Hole-in-Ones
According to the National Hole in One Registry, over 500 million golf rounds are played annually across the United States. But a hole-in-one is scored in only one out of 3,500 games. Only 1 to 2 percent of players achieve it in a given year. But what states does this rare golf accomplishment happen the most in?
How Was This List Made?
Golf apparel brand Galvin Green analyzed the 2024 hole-in-one registry, breaking down state-by-state statistics to uncover where golfers are achieving one of golf’s brag-worthy feats.
Commenting on the findings, Galvin Green said, “Scoring a hole-in-one is one of the most remarkable achievements in golf, requiring equal parts skill and luck. It’s a moment that golfers and fans remember for a lifetime, showcasing the game’s brilliance. “
Here are the states where Lady Luck might be on your side and choice golf courses to consider for your next round.
Florida
It is not surprising that Florida had the most hole-in-ones reported, as it has more golf courses per capita than any other state. In 2024, 36 holes-in-one were reported, and since recording started in 1999, 2,322 holes-in-one have occurred in the Sunshine State.
From greens difficult enough to challenge pro players to family-friendly ones to 1,200 public greens, there’s a course in Florida for any player. Try one of Streamsong’s three courses that marry world-class greens with the natural landscape or the new Cabot Citrus Farms, which reinvents the World’s Woods courses. Don’t overlook Orlando’s 200 golf course options, starting at $17 a round.
California
While California ranks second for 2024 with 31 holes-in-one, it remains the all-time leader with 2,636 of these epic shots in the past 25 years. Many of these submissions were recorded in Morgan Hill and Newport Beach golfing communities if you’d like to attempt this feat, too.
The Golden State’s wide variety of stunning beauty is also displayed in its greens. Take your pick from coastlines, forests, deserts, and mountain environments. Most well-known are Pebble Beach and Torrey Pines icons but don’t overlook other gems like the Scottish links style in Sonoma County’s Sea Ranch Golf Links or La Purisma, perfect for golf purists as no homes sit along its fairways.
Illinois
Illinois reported 17 holes-in-one last year and has recorded 1,119 holes-in-one in total across its 600 golf courses.
Chicago residents and visitors have over 200 courses to pick from, including South Shores, Jackson Park, and Harborside International, all only minutes from Chicago’s Loop. On Chicago’s North Shore is one of the best public golf courses, Winnetka, with a championship 18-hole course and a par-3 nine-hole course.
Or enjoy one of the state’s top courses, The Links at Kokopelli, which is recognized for its affordable prices yet top-notch experience. Take your pick from five tees at Rend Lake Golf Course overlooking Rend Lake or Prairie View Golf Club with natural rolling terrain across 7,000 yards.
New Jersey
Tied with Illinois, New Jersey also recorded 17 holes-in-one in 2024 across its 150 courses. The Garden State offers a surprising variety of offerings. Take your pick across the state from Liberty National Golf Club overlooking the Statue of Liberty and New York’s Skyline to top resort courses at luxurious Crystal Springs Resort or greens with a view of Atlantic City.
New York
New York placed fifth in the rankings with 15 reported holes-in-one. While Bethpage State Park’s Black Course is notoriously difficult, there are a lot of scenic greens for players of all skill levels. Enjoy the beauty of The Adirondacks and Lake Placid vistas at one of America’s oldest golf courses – Whiteface Club and Resort.
But don’t overlook the southeastern part of New York, says Golf Digest. “What really sets the Empire State apart from almost everywhere else are the courses of Long Island, one of the world’s most desirable pieces of golf terrain. The combination of sand soils, proximity to the ocean and winds on both coasts and early golf architecture heritage is unmatched in the United States.”
Ohio
Ohio recorded 14 hole-in-ones across its 800 golf courses. While Ohio might not be the first state you think of for golfing, they have six greens on Golf Digest’s Top 100 Courses in America: Muirfield Village, The Golf Club, Camargo Club, Scioto Country Club, and Inverness Club. Check out The Little Mountain and Trout Club for those on a budget.
Last but certainly not least is the Arnold Palmer championship layout of TPC River’s Bend, which includes creeks, waterfalls, and epic vistas.
Pennsylvania
Thirteen lucky golfers hit a hole-in-one in Pennsylvania last year. How fore-tunate!
This year, plan a trip to the nine-hole Foxburg Country Club, claiming to be the oldest golf course in America. Are you dreaming of European-style links courses but can’t travel that far? Then, take your best shots at The Links At Gettysburg. Or plan a bucket-list trip to Nemacolin Woodlands Resort’s Mystic Rock golf course, designed by Pete Dye recognized as one of the best greens in the country.
Arizona
Drawing players for over one hundred years, the picturesque courses in Arizona also reported 13 holes-in-one last year. No matter the greens you choose, you’ll be mesmerized by how they display their natural Southwestern surroundings.
Play icons Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation’s We-Ko-Pa Golf Club outside of Phoenix or the Tom Fazio-designed Mountain Course at The Lodge at Ventana Canyon in Tucson. A drive to otherwordly Sedona is worth the trip. Play amidst the sandstone red rock buttes at Oakcreek Country Club or Sedona Golf Resort, one of the most photographed courses in America.
North Carolina
Also tied with Pennsylvania and Arizona is North Carolina, which has 13 holes-in-one. Known as the home to one of the most challenging courses and the largest golf resort in North America – Pinehurst. Take your pick from one of their nine courses and finally scratch the icon off your bucket list in 2025.
Don’t overlook the Donald Ross classic Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club for more everyday play. The state also features public gems like the recently renovated championship-challenge-worthy Finely Golf Club at Chapel Hill, The Duke University Golf designed by Robert Trent Jones, and the expanded and upgraded Wilmington Municipal Golf Course along the Cape Fear River.
Georgia
Despite being the home of the Masters Tournament, Georgia also tied for last place in this list with 13 hole-in-ones. Challenge yourself among tidal marshes at Sea Island’s three courses or smash it surrounded by the pines at Reynolds Lake Oconee. Take in a heavenly round at the new Cloudland at McLemore Resort, perched 2,000 feet above sea level with jaw-dropping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
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