A Hole-In-One to Remember: Johnny Wunder’s Tale from Apogee Golf Club

A recent round at Apogee Golf Club in Hobe Sound, Florida, yielded a memorable hole-in-one for GOLF’s Director of Equipment, Johnny Wunder. The ace, made on the seven-hole par-3 Wee Course, sparked a debate among colleagues about what truly constitutes a “real” hole-in-one, but ultimately served as a reminder of the joy and connection found in the game.

An Unconventional Round

The round wasn’t about strict adherence to rules or traditional play. Wunder, along with colleagues Adam Christensen and Stephen Sweeney, and Sweeney’s friends and family, played a relaxed game, even deviating from the course’s numbered order. They began on the 4th hole and didn’t complete the first three holes until after finishing the initial seven.

The Ace on the 5th

On the 68-yard 5th hole, after Sweeney’s near-miss, Wunder stepped up with a custom-ground Ping S259 lob wedge. His shot landed just past the hole and spun back, tracking Stephen’s ball before disappearing into the cup. It marked Wunder’s second career hole-in-one.

A Setting for Enjoyment

The group wasn’t focused on content creation. they were there for pure enjoyment. The setting sun cast a glow across the manicured grounds of Apogee Golf Club, creating a perfect atmosphere. Sweeney mentioned the club’s tradition of awarding medallions for aces on the Wee Course, a feat not yet achieved by Apogee member Rory McIlroy, though Sweeney’s father proudly displayed his own.

The Debate Begins

After posting a video of the ace to GOLF.com’s Slack channel, a debate arose among Wunder’s colleagues. Even as Jack Hirsh argued any hole-in-one deserved celebration, others, including Zephr Melton, Josh Berhow, and Alex Gelman, questioned whether a 68-yard shot qualified. Tim Reilly suggested a par-3 course ace should only count if the player had previously made a 1 on a regulation course. The discussion even touched on the famous 7th hole at Pebble Beach, where 90-yard aces are commonly celebrated.

A Meaningful Second Ace

Wunder’s first hole-in-one came almost two years prior at Hammock Beach in Palm Coast, Florida. That shot held particular significance as it occurred a year after the loss of his grandfather, who lived in Florida, and was his first round in the state since his passing. Yet, Wunder stated the Apogee ace holds a special place in his heart.

More Than Just a Ball in the Hole

Wunder emphasized the joy of sharing the moment with colleagues Johnny Wunder and Adam Christensen, and the unexpected celebration from strangers who witnessed the shot. He noted the round was a rare opportunity to enjoy golf with his team without the pressures of work. He plans to refer to it as a “short course hole-in-one” rather than simply adding it to a tally of aces.

The Value of Connection

Wunder’s experience highlighted the importance of the people with whom we share these moments. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play alongside his colleagues and appreciated the beauty of Apogee Golf Club. The ace became a story about connection and enjoyment, far outweighing the debate over its “official” status.