Javier Colomo can look forward to a return trip to the scene of his historic hole-in-one during Friday’s second round of the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open after his momentous moment was marked by two of the event sponsors.
Colomo entered the record books with his ace on the ninth hole at the end of his second round, which was the first hole-in-one on a par four in the history of the European, Asian and Sunshine Tours.
The Spaniard needed a birdie on the 322-yard hole to make the cut, but instead he made it to the weekend with two shots to spare after holing his drive for an unprecedented albatross.
In recognition of the achievement, after his final round Colomo was presented with free accommodation for five nights at the luxurious Le Telfair at The Heritage Resort, the host venue of this week’s event, as well as two free flights courtesy of Air Mauritius.
“It is an amazing prize, because we are here to work so we couldn’t enjoy as much as we wanted to,” said Colomo, whose wife Cristina has caddied for him this week.
“So it will be great to come back and enjoy this place even more.”
Colomo admitted he still cannot quite believe he will be forever etched into European Tour history, nor the response he has received since his dramatic drive.
“I didn’t know it was the first on The European Tour when it happened on Friday,” said the 31 year old following his final round of 71.
“I saw The European Tour put it on Twitter and I had a lot of messages about it, so it is great to make history.
“I couldn’t see the ball go in from the tee. A lot of people came to us on the fairway and said the ball is in the hole, so it was special. My next goal is to make a hole-in-one on a par five!
“I needed the birdie so I had to take the risk of going for the green. I hit a very high driver, straight to the flag, and I thought the ball was close, possibly for eagle, so I thought the cut was done, but I couldn’t believe it went in.”
