Ben Kohles Celebrates 1st PGA Tour Hole-in-One at Black Desert Championship

Ben Kohles notched his first PGA Tour hole-in-one during the opening round of the 2024 Black Desert Championship on Thursday. The ace, which came on the 17th hole, propelled Kohles to a 6-under par finish for the day , placing him in a strong position at the outset of the tournament.

Kohles, who has experienced success on the Korn Ferry Tour , described the moment as a blend of perfect timing and a little pre-shot encouragement from his caddie.

"My caddie kind of put it out there, saying, 'you know what, we haven't made a hole-in-one yet this year,' right before I hit," Kohles shared. The ace on 17 marked his first on the PGA Tour and the ninth of his life, with three coming last year alone, two of which were in tournaments on the Korn Ferry Tour.

The conditions in Ivins, Utah, played a significant role in Kohles' strategy for the round. Despite the early morning chill, the altitude at the Black Desert Championship venue allowed for the ball to travel distances similar to those at sea level.

"The ball usually goes a little bit shorter when it's a little cooler out, but obviously with altitude, it seemed like they were going pretty standard stock numbers back at sea level," Kohles explained.

Looking ahead to the rest of the tournament, Kohles anticipates minimal adjustments for his afternoon round, aside from accounting for the increased ball distance due to the altitude. The fairways, described as very generous, and receptive greens in the morning provided an ideal setup for scoring opportunities.

Kohles' hole-in-one is not just a personal milestone, but also a highlight of the Black Desert Championship's inaugural opening round. As the tournament progresses, his performance will undoubtedly be one to watch, especially with his ability to leverage the unique conditions of the course and his recent boost in confidence.

Related: Black Desert Championship: Course & Field Preview, Key Stats, Odds

The Black Desert Championship continues through the weekend, with golf fans eager to see if Kohles can build on his impressive start.

Follow @OnTapGolf on X for more golf news and updates !