Travis Smyth: WATCH: Australian Travis Smyth sinks hole-in-one at Open | Golf News

Australian golfer Travis Smyth achieved a remarkable feat by claiming the first hole-in-one at the challenging 17th hole at this year’s Open on Friday.
The Royal Liverpool‘s new par-three hole presented a difficult task with its upturned saucer green protected by deep bunkers, making it a tricky shot for many players.
However, Smyth displayed exceptional skill and precision as he teed off and sent the ball on a beautiful trajectory. With a hop, the ball disappeared into the hole, eliciting tremendous cheers and applause from the enthusiastic crowd gathered at the course.

While this exceptional shot brought a moment of glory for Smyth, who had double-bogeyed the same hole on Thursday, it couldn’t significantly change his overall score, which was at eight over par.
Unfortunately, despite his impressive hole-in-one, his previous performance meant he would not make the cut for the weekend rounds.

Nonetheless, the 28-year-old’s ace at the treacherous 17th will surely remain a memorable highlight of his Open debut.
“It was amazing. Bittersweet actually,” said the pony-tailed Smyth. “I had a shock the day before, made double bogey, and I was just really happy I hit a good shot because I was just so disappointed from the day before.
“It was a moment I’ll never forget. It’s crazy.”
Sadly for Smyth, it only improved his overall score to eight over and he will miss the cut for the weekend, although he was congratulated by compatriot and reigning champion Cameron Smith.
“Pretty cool. I don’t know Cam too well, but just enough to have chit chat here and there, so that was cool,” he said.
Smyth was one of the players that joined the Saudi-backed LIV Golf last year, raking in $1 million from three events.
Asked if he would swap that for his hole-in-one, he said: “Ooh, that’s a tough one. Probably a million dollars.”
(With Reuters inputs)