It is not often you get a hole-in-one.

But two members of Colchester Golf Club achieved the ultimate golfer's dream on the same day.

Both men used five irons and for both it was the second ace in their golfing career.

Terry Sambridge, a finance director at Westside, Stanway, and a 21 handicapper, was playing in the St Helena Bowl on Sunday afternoon. He scored his hole-in-one at the 144-yard 16th.

Neil Frost scored his ace at the 188-yard fifth hole in the morning's Hospice Cup.

Frost, a former Abberton and Eight Ash Green cricketer, had his first hole-in-one four years ago at the 16th, while Sambridge managed one when he was a member of the former Quietwaters club some years ago.

Sambridge said: "I just could not believe it. It felt like a good shot the moment I struck it and the ball pitched onto the green, took one bounce and disappeared into the hole. It was absolutely amazing."

Unfortunately Frost, who eventually finished third in the competition, did not have the satisfaction of actually seeing his ball disappear.

"I knew it was a good shot and I bent down to pick up my tee when the ball was still in the air.

"My playing partners told me the ball pitched in front of the green and took a roll up the green straight into the hole.

There was a downside to their double success - they both had to buy drinks in the 19th and Frost has had his 14 handicap cut by one stroke.

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