Andy Sullivan ace takes him to space

Feature by Anand Datla

The hole in one is a special feat in golf. Irrespective of whether it is a rank amateur or a time worn professional, the joy of sinking an ace is a rare treat for the golfer wielding a club and those who witness it, almost in equal measure. XCOR Space Expeditions, a space travel company challenged the golfers last week with an invitation into space for making an ace at the Kennemer Golf & Country Club in Zandvoort, just outside the Dutch capital.  Andy Sullivan, ranked a lowly 216 in the world sank his tee shot at the 15th straight into the hole in the fourth round of the KLM Open to earn the right to travel into space, during the final round on Sunday.

The 28 year old Englishman was besides himself with joy as soon as he realised that his tee shot at the 163 yard par-3 had rolled quietly along the pin into the hole. “It was such a rollercoaster out there today and this week so to top it off by going to space is great,” said an elated Sullivan. “I was on the comeback after a few bad holes and the caddie pulled out a nine iron and said try to cut it in there, luckily it came off and it went in.”

But Sullivan, who needed treatment for altitude sickness during the European Masters the previous week, was still very measured in his commitment to make the trip into space. “I’m not sure if I’ll go, I’ll check with the missus. I’m not great with heights or flying! I might have to pluck up some serious courage, but it is a once in a lifetime experience, so I’m going to have to do it,” he concluded. Sullivan also took home an additional £61,483 for his memorable adventure, which was nearly half his career earnings of £132,746, since turning professional in 2011. Andy also finished third at the KLM Open after making a 67 in the final round to take home € 112,680 as prize money.

The space company had installed life size replica of its spaceship to remind players of the prize on offer for an ace at the 15th hole. A company spokesman had informed reporters at the event that travel schedules are likely to begin towards the end of 2015, with nearly 300 bookings already in the bag. XCOR was seeking to gain mindspace with their unique campaign at the KLM Open, to attract space tourists to board their Lynx Mark I & II spaceships for an adventure of a lifetime.

Here is a video of the Ace that helped Sullivan buy his ticket to travel beyond Earth’s atmosphere –

Andy Sullivan’s Ace at the 15th hole in the fourth round of the KLM Open

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