Very affable South African Keith Horne will be driving the first hole-in-one BMW sedan of the new 2013 season thanks to the generosity of Alfred Dunhill Championship organisers.
In a very rare occurence Horne aced the par three 12th hole two days in succession and using the same 8-iron on day two and day three of the event being staged at Leopard Creek.
Horne had been presented with a Dunhill gift bag for his effort on Friday but that all changed when he aced the 192-yard hole some 24 hours later.
Keith Horne pictured in front of his BMW ‘ActiveHybrid’ following back-to-back aces at Leopard Creek. (Photo – www.europeantour.com)
However the rule in winning the gleaming BMW 6 Series Grand Coupe clearly state the prize is only up for grabs on the final day but then rules are always meant to be broken and Horne could not be happier in being handed the keys to the vehicle.
“Unbelievable,” he declared.
“It was the same club, but the wind was different, so I had to hit a full eight iron this time.
“It was in all the way – never looked like missing. The ball went in a bit faster this time, so I didn’t get to admire it as much as yesterday, but this one got the adrenaline going much more.
“I had a feeling this whole year that I was going to hit a hole in one and get a car. It was just one of those weird feelings. I certainly wasn’t aiming there because the car was on offer, I was just trying to hit the best shot I could.
“Yesterday was a little frustrating, but today was just funny that it went in again. I didn’t really feel that devastated.
“I’ve made seven holes in one in my life and so far, all I’ve won is a Dunhill bag!”
Shortly after, though, believing his hole in one was going to yield little reward once again, Horne was recalled as special dispensation was made for the remarkable second ace.
Johann Rupert, Chairman of Richemont, holding company for Dunhill London, decided that despite the fine print stating that a car would only be awarded for the first hole in one on Sunday, Horne’s unique achievement merited a reward of this stature as the 41 year old was presented with a brand new BMW ActiveHybrid 5 courtesy of Dunhill London and BMW.
“I’m really chuffed!” said an elated Horne.
“It was very kind of them to recognise that two holes in one were worthy of giving me the car. I wasn’t expecting it, so I’m over the moon. This was an unbelievable Christmas present and I couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful car.
“I’m not looking forward to tomorrow’s tee shot at 12, though. I’m going to feel so much pressure standing over that shot – I’ll be lucky if I hit the green!”
