Rugby royalty Tim Horan has ticked off an unexpected milestone – a hole-in-one on the 8th hole at Minnippi Golf & Range.
The two-time Rugby World Cup champion and Hall of Fame inductee swapped the footy boots for golf spikes last week, playing his first-ever round at Minnippi Golf & Range. What he didn’t expect? To walk away with the most elusive shot in the game.
“It was one of those shots where I didn’t hit it that well,” Horan admitted with a laugh during a chat with our PGA Pro, Peter Clark. “Probably skinned it a little. It just ran up onto the green, and my mate and I saw it disappear. We weren’t even sure it went in.”
The pair drove up to the green, unsure if the ball had gone long. “I had a look in the hole and there it was. I’ve got a video of it, but there’s a bit of swearing,” he joked.
Horan, who plays socially and is a member at Parkwood on the Gold Coast, described it as the highlight of his golfing career.
“I never thought I’d actually get one. I don’t play a lot of golf, but I’ve been trying to play more lately,” he said. “Winning World Cups was pretty special – but this is right up there on the golfing front.”
When asked about transitioning from the high-pressure world of professional team sport to the solitary battle of golf, Horan didn’t hold back. “There’s no one to blame but yourself in golf. It’s a very different challenge. You can’t blame your teammates or your clubs,” he said. “But that’s what drives you to be better”.
He also recalled some of his most nerve-wracking golf experiences – including teeing off in front of hundreds at the Jack Newton Classic. “That’s more intimidating than running out for a World Cup final. You’ve got a gallery lining the fairway and you’re trying not to shank it!”
Despite a blustery Brisbane day, Horan was impressed by the course. “I’d heard a lot about Minnippi Golf & Range from mates in Brisbane. It was my first time there, and even with that wind, I enjoyed it. Those back holes are great fun.”
Peter Clark was quick to extend an open invitation: “You’re always welcome back, Tim. Next time, we’ll pick a calmer day and maybe chase hole-in-one number two!”
Horan laughed, “Let’s do it. And I’m trying to get my handicap from 17 down to 12, so every round counts!”
Thanks for swinging by, Tim – we’ll have the pin ready on the 8th for your next visit.
