If you're convinced 13 is an unlucky number, maybe you just need to play a round at Apple Creek Golf Course.
The 18-hole course just north of Airdrie has seen a hot streak of hole-in-ones this year, with nine aces reported as of Aug. 11. The course's director of golf and head pro Tye Babkirk said Apple Creek typically averages between five and 10 hole-in-ones per year.
Notably, Babkirk said the last five hole-in-ones at Apple Creek have all been on hole 13.
While that can make it sound like hole 13 is perhaps too easy of a hole, Babkirk assured that's not the case.
"It’s definitely not an easy hole on our golf course," he said of the par 3 hole, which ranges from 80 to 150 yards, depending on which of the three tee boxes golfer choose to hit from.
“We don’t have any sand traps on our course, but hole 13 is basically wrapped in an environmentally sensitive area, so it’s a difficult landing area and a small landing area. Maybe because of that, people are focusing a little more sharp – but maybe it just has to do with lucky number 13.”
Another reason for the spate of great shots on hole 13, Babkirk suggested, could be the fact the hole comes right after the Apple Creek snack shack.
“[Maybe golfers are] grabbing a cool beverage or tasty treat and that’s inspiring them to hit a better shot,” he said.
Every time a hole in one is reported at Apple Creek, the golfer who scored it poses with a golf flag, and their picture is posted on the course's social media accounts.
The latest to pose with the hole 13 flag was a young golfer named James, who scored the ace using an 8 iron from the blue tees on Aug. 10. Before that, Sharon got an ace from the red tee box on Aug. 5, using a pitching wedge, and David scored an ace on July 30 from the white tees, using a 7 iron.
Others who have scored a hole-in-one on hole 13 this season include Tracey on July 11 and Stephen on June 24.
“They’re definitely full of excitement and very proud of their accomplishment,” Babkirk said. “I think it’s cool for the staff working as well to share that moment.”
Babkirk said it's always exciting when a golfer accomplishes a coveted hole in one – not just for the player who scored it, but everyone they're with, as well.
“I think it’s exciting just because the odds are stacked against the player,” he said. “I’ve been in a few groups and have witnessed a hole in one. It’s just about as exciting to see it as it is to hit one yourself.
“It’s something that every golfer continues to chase, whether you’re just starting the game or you’ve been playing for many years. There’s always a story with a hole in one – whether it was a great shot or a lucky bounce.”
Apple Creek Golf Course is located in between Airdrie and Crossfield off the Dickston Stevenson Trail.
