Hole in one ain’t enough

CARMONA, Cavite – Things weren’t looking so good for Hung Chien-yao of Taipei halfway through yesterday’s final round at Manila Southwoods.

The 23-year-old Taiwanese, a three-year pro, had just lost the lead with four bogeys in the first six holes, three straight from No. 4.

There was nothing much going on for Hung until he stepped on the mound at the 241-yard, par-4 13th hole.

Hung pulled out what looked like a regular iron or a utility iron, and launched a missile. From up in the air, it had a good line.

The ball landed right in front of the green, some 22 yards to the hole, and went straight to the cup. It rolled in like a perfect putt.

It was a hole-in-one.

Hung broke into a wide smile and raised his arms like he won the US Open. His playing partners, Lee Chieh-po and Jbe Kruger, celebrated with him.

The hole-in-one shoved Hung back into contention but still it wasn’t enough to win him the title.

For his rare feat, Hung, who flew in with his mother, won a rare prize, a VIP aircraft service from Red Tail Aviation worth $250,000.

The service, good for helicopter and plane rides, is valid for six months – but only in the Philippines.

Hung fell short of winning the crown.

“I’m still happy,” he said.