Amateur golfer Zach Holland has admitted to faking a hole-in-one during a recent tournament at WingHaven Country Club in O'Fallon, Missouri. Holland, a 2-handicap player, used the fabricated achievement as part of a deception that has drawn widespread criticism and branded him "golf's Public Enemy No. 1."
Holland detailed the sequence of events in an interview with "The Morning After" radio show. He explained that he told his playing partners he needed to step away from the third hole to take a call from his grandmother, who he claimed was experiencing health issues. While his group played on, Holland proceeded to the par-3 fourth hole, where he allegedly created a divot and placed a ball in the hole to stage the hole-in-one. Upon the group's arrival, he claimed to have thinned his shot and feigned uncertainty about its whereabouts, only for them to discover the ball in the cup.
Although the group celebrated the feat, some skepticism arose due to the lack of a direct witness to the shot itself. Holland also addressed rumors that course security footage might have captured his actions, stating the camera near the main shed only showed him walking by.
Following the incident, Holland spoke with the club's general manager and informed them of his decision to resign his membership, stating he did not belong at the club after his actions. He described the situation as "complete stupidity" and acknowledged that he "made a terrible mistake" and demonstrated a "lack of moral character."
Holland emphasized that the repercussions have extended beyond the golf community. "What I am most worried about is my family. Breaking trust with a marriage I have had for what will be five years next month," he said, referring to his wife and two young children. He expressed concern about the "stigma" his actions might impose on his children as they grow up. "Questions that they may get asked or be getting asked down the road, that’s the worst part. The golf is secondary," he stated.
He characterized the experience as "lonely" and "self-inflicted," acknowledging the "ruthless" nature of public reaction from strangers. Holland is reportedly seeking help to address his actions and prioritize his family's well-being.