In a moment of sheer brilliance, English golfer John Parry electrified the crowds at The Open with a sensational hole-in-one, overshadowing the high-profile duel between Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler.
The 37-year-old, competing in his first Open Championship since 2017, aced the par-3 17th at Royal Troon, sending spectators into raptures. The shot, struck with pinpoint precision, bounced twice before rolling straight into the cup—a moment Parry described as "pure magic."
A Moment to Remember
Parry, who earned his spot through final qualifying, had struggled earlier in the round but found redemption with this unforgettable shot. "I was just trying to make par and stay in it," he admitted. "When it went in, I couldn’t believe it. The roar from the crowd was incredible."
McIlroy and Scheffler’s Battle Overshadowed
While much of the pre-tournament focus had been on McIlroy and Scheffler—the world’s top two players—Parry’s heroics stole the show. McIlroy, chasing his first major in a decade, remained composed but acknowledged the buzz around Parry’s feat. "That’s what makes The Open special," McIlroy said. "Anyone can create a moment like that."
Scheffler, meanwhile, maintained his steady form but couldn’t match the drama of Parry’s ace. The American remains in contention, though all eyes are now on the Englishman’s fairytale run.
What’s Next for Parry?
With the cut line looming, Parry’s hole-in-one has reignited his chances of a strong finish. "I’m just going to enjoy every minute," he said. "This is why we play the game."
As The Open heads into the weekend, one thing is certain: John Parry’s name will be remembered long after the final putt drops.
