Holes-in-one are a rare and impressive feat in golf, and Central New York's golfers have been making waves with their exceptional skills. As of May 1, 2026, here's a breakdown of some recent holes-in-one and notable achievements in the region:
Frank Lipari Sr.'s 115-yard Ace at Tuscarora: On May 1, Frank Lipari Sr. achieved a remarkable hole-in-one on the 115-yard No. 2 hole at Tuscarora Golf Course. Using a 7-iron, Lipari's shot was witnessed by Dan Benigni, Hal Blanding, and Paul Anthony, solidifying his place in Central New York's golf history.
Jason Guild's 120-yard Ace at The Wood: Jason Guild demonstrated his golfing prowess on April 30 at The Wood Golf Course. With a pitching wedge, Guild aced the 120-yard No. 4 hole, witnessed by Dave Connelly, Bob Caselle, and Mike Caselle, showcasing his precision and control.
Tom Christian's Florida Ace: Tom Christian's golfing journey took him to the Loch Ness Course at Fiddlesticks CC in Fort Myers, Florida, on April 28. On the 153-yard No. 12 hole, Christian achieved a hole-in-one, witnessed by Don Christian and Dwight Evans, proving his skill transcends geographical boundaries.
Paul Bradbury's 140-yard Ace at Sunset Ridge: Paul Bradbury's hole-in-one on April 24 at Sunset Ridge Golf Course was a sight to behold. Using a 9-wood, Bradbury aced the 140-yard No. 8 hole, witnessed by Jim Bubnack, Mark Bielak, and Joe Stepien, leaving his mark on the course.
Ernie Goldacker's 145-yard Ace at Drumlins East: Ernie Goldacker's hole-in-one on April 18 at Drumlins East was a testament to his golfing prowess. With a Heaven-Wood club, Goldacker aced the 145-yard No. 12 hole, witnessed by Lori Richardson and Mark Regin, further cementing his reputation as a skilled golfer.
Beyond the Holes-in-One:
- John Napoli's Senior Golfing Triumph: John Napoli, an 83-year-old golfer, shot a 78 from the gold tees at Green Lakes on April 29. Witnessed by Don Vincentini, Joe Dattellas, and Bob Czaplicki, Napoli's achievement highlights the enduring spirit and skill of senior golfers in Central New York.
The Quest for Authenticity:
Pat Spadafore, a seasoned sports journalist, encourages golfers to send details of their holes-in-one by email. The preferred format includes the golfer's name, date, hole number, yardage, course name, club used, and witness names. Spadafore's commitment to authenticity ensures the integrity of the records he compiles.
A Legacy of Golfing Excellence:
Pat Spadafore, who has been covering sports in Section III for nearly four decades, interacts with coaches and Athletic Directors to develop high school stats. His dedication to the sport and its history is evident in his coverage of these remarkable holes-in-one, providing a window into the golfing prowess of Central New York's athletes.
In conclusion, these holes-in-one and achievements by Central New York golfers showcase the region's golfing excellence and the dedication of its athletes. As the season progresses, the anticipation for more remarkable feats grows, leaving golf enthusiasts eager for the next big story.
