The feeling of a perfectly struck iron shot is something every golfer chases, but watching that same shot track toward the pin, take one bounce, and disappear into the cup is a moment of pure bliss. While the odds for an average player are steep, some golfers seem to be magnets for aces. This article breaks down who has the most hole-in-ones, from the undisputed all-time leader to the record-holders on the PGA TOUR, and even offers up some practical advice to help you card your own.
When you ask who has the most hole-in-ones, one name stands above all others: Mancil Davis. The a former touring professional from Texas is widely recognized as the “King of Aces,” and for very good reason. He has recorded an incredible 51 hole-in-ones throughout his lifetime, a feat so mind-boggling it almost seems fictional. His total is recognized by Golf Digest and PGA.com as the all-time record.
What makes Davis’s record so remarkable isn't just the sheer number, but the context behind them. These weren’t just lucky shots during relaxed weekend rounds. Ten of his aces came during professional competitions. He made them with almost every club in the bag, from a 3-iron all the way down to a sand wedge.
His first ace came in 1967 at the tender age of 12. His most recent? In 2007. He once made three aces in a single calendar year and has even aced the same hole - the 219-yard 7th at The Trophy Club near Dallas - four separate times. Unlike claims from more dubious sources (such as the 59 credited to North Korean leader Kim Jong-il in a single round), Davis's aces are well-documented and witnessed, solidifying his unique place in golfing history.
While Mancil Davis's overall record is astounding, the stats keepers on the PGA TOUR track official aces made only during sanctioned Tour events. Competing under the immense pressure of professional tournaments against the world’s best players on some of the toughest courses makes every hole-in-one a significant achievement.
Currently, the PGA TOUR record for the most career hole-in-ones is a tie.
Australian Robert Allenby and American Hal Sutton share the top spot on the official PGA TOUR list with 10 aces each. Sutton, a 14-time PGA TOUR winner best known for his 1983 PGA Championship victory, recorded his 10 aces over a long and distinguished career. His steady iron play was a hallmark of his game, making him a perennial threat on par-3s.
Robert Allenby, known for his fiery competitiveness and silky-smooth swing, matched Sutton's mark. Allenby's 10th ace came at the 2016 Barracuda Championship, a testament to his longevity and continued precision deep into his career. It's fair to say both Allenby and Sutton possessed the kind of elite ball-striking needed to give themselves more opportunities than their peers.
Right behind the leaders is a list of golf’s household names, many of whom are still adding to their totals:
Interestingly, some legends you might expect to be at the very top, like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, have "only" 3 and 5 PGA TOUR aces, respectively. This just goes to show how much good fortune is involved in a ball finding the bottom of the cup.
Sometimes a hole-in-one is remembered not because of who made it, but because of the moment it happened. The stage, the pressure, and the roar of the crowd can turn a great shot into a legendary one.
Tiger Woods - 1997 Phoenix Open: The 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale is golf’s loudest arena. A young Tiger Woods, not yet a Masters champion, stepped up to the 152-yard par-3 and fired a 9-iron that landed perfectly and rolled into the hole. The volcanic eruption from the crowd was earth-shaking, and Woods's iconic "raise the roof" celebration became an instantly legendary sports moment.
Justin Thomas - 2017 WGC-Mexico Championship: An ace on a par-3 is rare. An ace on a par-4 is almost unheard of. Justin Thomas hit a driver on the 308-yard 1st hole at Club de Golf Chapultepec, and to everyone's amazement, the ball found the cup. This double eagle, or albatross, is one of the most remarkable shots in modern professional golf.
Gene Sarazen - 1935 Masters: While not a traditional par-3 ace, no discussion of golf's greatest shots is complete without mentioning Sarazen's "Shot Heard 'Round the World." Trailing by three shots on the 15th hole at Augusta in the final round, Sarazen struck a 4-wood from 235 yards that flew over the pond, landed on the green, and rolled in for a double eagle 2. It vaulted him into a tie for the lead, and he won the Masters in a playoff the next day. It remains arguably the most famous single golf shot ever hit.
Hearing about all these historical shots is great, but how can you increase your own chances of making a hole-in-one? As a coach, I tell my students that while luck is a big ingredient, you can definitely improve your odds with smart play and solid fundamentals.
This sounds obvious, but it's the number one factor. The more par-3s you play, the more chances you get. Mancil Davis didn’t make 51 aces sitting on his couch. Volume is your best friend in this pursuit. Playing a quick nine at a par-3 course is a fantastic way to rack up opportunities.
Knowledge is power. Do you know exactly how far you carry each iron in your bag? Not your total distance after rollout, but your precise carry number. If you're on a 150-yard par-3, you need to know which club flies 150 yards in the air. Guessing between a 7-iron and an 8-iron reduces your chances dramatically. Spend time on a launch monitor or at the range to nail down your carry distances.
Aggression is necessary for making an ace, but it has to be calculated aggression. Before you take dead aim, assess the situation:
A consistent setup and a repeatable swing lead to tighter shot dispersion. You don’t need a picture-perfect motion, but you need one you can count on. Focus on the core principles: maintain a stable base, rotate your body (shoulders and hips) away from the ball on the backswing, and then unwind that rotation through the ball. The most powerful and consistent swings are driven by the body's rotation, not by an up-and-down chopping motion with the arms. A balanced finish, with your weight on your front foot and your chest facing the target, is a great indicator that you've let the body unwind properly.
Just how lucky do you have to be to make a hole-in-one? The National Hole-in-One Registry has done the math, and the numbers are fascinating.
While Mancil Davis seems to be from another planet with his 51 aces, and pros like Robert Allenby and Hal Sutton stand atop the PGA TOUR, the a hole-in-one remains golf's ultimate surprise gift. It's a perfect fusion of skill, strategy, and pure luck that creates a memory which will last a lifetime, whether it's your first or your fifty-first.
A smart strategy on par-3s is a big piece of giving yourself more of those chances. Honing your course management and knowing the right club and the right target every time is what separates a good shot from a great one. We know that can be tough, which is why when you're caught between clubs or unsure how the wind will affect your shot, our Caddie AI delivers instant, on-course advice. We help you think through the decision like a pro, clearing away the doubt so you can make a confident, committed swing.
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