IT IS rare in the amateur game to get a hole in one; Bude & North Cornwall Golf Club sees just a handful a year at most and many years with none.

So, it was an amazing and unusual occurrence when two golfers both hit holes in one on the same day on February 4 earlier this year.

On this day Lee Mears, a committee member hit an ace on the eighth hole.

At the same time, on the fourth hole, John Dowell, past captain 'dropped' his hole in one.

Both were well celebrated in the club house, as is the tradition that golfers who pull off a hole in one buy everyone in the clubhouse a drink.

Don't let this fact put you off — you can actually get insurance that covers the cost of this huge round.

What makes this story different is the following.

On August 29 this year, some six months after their achievement, both players were back on the course at the same time.

The odds against the same thing happening again are beyond all calculation, but it did happen.

John again dropped his ball into the hole with his tee shot on the 144 yard 4th hole, while Lee played his hole in one into the 202 yard Par 3, 13th.

Once again, it was an expensive day at the bar for the two golfers.

"I have never seen this before' commented club manager David Walls.

"Whilst we congratulate the members on their achievements, we still find ourselves scratching our heads at how two golfers could score holes in one, twice in a year, on the same days. It's extraordinary."

For the full report, and a round up of the latest news and sport, see this week's edition of the 'Post'.