Thanks to an accurate shot to the green in Vilamoura one UK golfer won a dream trip to the recent US Masters in Augusta claimed in such dramatic fashion by Sergio Garcia. The Million Dollar Hole in One (MDHIO) group in partnership with YourGolfTravel is now an established feature of golf courses in Europe and regularly presents golfers with a hole-in-one challenge.
Luton-born Richard O’Brien failed to register an ace at Vilamoura but – crucially – did land on the green for a chance of travelling to the US Masters. Amazingly, while Richard’s name was selected at random, he reveals that the golden ticket was almost lost because he didn’t read the confirmation email until the day before the offer would have expired. “I played the hole-in-one challenge in Vilamoura but then totally forgot about it. Several months later I saw in my email I had apparently won a trip to the Masters. I thought it was a joke or a scam but it wasn’t and I managed to claim on the final day before it went out of date. I so nearly missed it!”
Richard plays off 18 and is pictured here (left) arriving in Augusta with best pal Mark Hubbocks who accompanied him for the five-night stay. They enjoyed flights, two rounds of golf at local courses, car hire, entry to the Masters and tickets for the after-party where they rubbed shoulders with golfing greats.
MDHIO, running since 1990 in the USA and since 2000 in Europe, has grown in popularity over the years and thousands try their luck and skill every year on Algarve. From having just found the green in Portugal to almost losing the prize while at home in UK the trip to Augusta was definitely an unforgettable experience for the golfer who made the right choice of visiting in the beautiful Algarve. He is surely set to return soon to the sun-kissed region where his fantastic adventure began.
Winners Richard O’Brien (left) and Mark Hubbocks