Si Woo Kim Makes History with First Hole-in-One at 17th Hole in British Open at Royal Troon

Si Woo Kim, the four-time PGA Tour winner, has etched his name in history at Royal Troon by becoming the first golfer to make a hole-in-one on the iconic 17th hole during this year's British Open. The 238-yard par 3, dubbed "Rabbit" by Royal Troon's website, witnessed Kim's remarkable feat, marking the longest hole-in-one in Open history.

After navigating challenging weather conditions in the first two rounds, Si Woo Kim found respite on the third day at Royal Troon. With calmer skies overhead, Kim's fortunes took an unexpected turn on the 17th hole. Addressing the tee shot, his caddie advised him to hit hard with a 3-iron. Kim obliged, and with a clean swing, sent the ball soaring over the fringe.

Si Woo Kim Makes History with First Hole-in-One at 17th Hole in British Open at Royal Troon

To his astonishment, the ball disappeared into the hole, eliciting cheers from the surrounding spectators. Kim, initially unaware of his achievement, was alerted by the commotion. With a tee in hand, he retreated to his bag, only to be greeted with a chorus of excitement.

Kim's historic hole-in-one is not only the first at the 17th hole in the ten editions of the Open Championship played at Royal Troon but also the longest in the tournament's annals. Frank Lickliter II previously held the record with a 212-yard ace at Royal Lytham & St Annes in 2001.

Si Woo Kim Makes History with First Hole-in-One at 17th Hole in British Open at Royal Troon

The South Korean golfer expressed his delight at the memorable moment. "I wasn't happy with the 17th on Thursday. I made a double, and I made a three-putt again yesterday. Finally, I got the hole-in-one, so I think I like it now."

Kim's caddie played a crucial role in the historic shot. "My caddie told me you'd better hit hard with a 3-iron," Kim recalled. "So I did, and as soon as I did, the contact was good. I saw the ball go over the fringe, and thought that must be maybe inside 20 feet."

Si Woo Kim Makes History with First Hole-in-One at 17th Hole in British Open at Royal Troon

Despite his struggles in the first two rounds, Kim's hole-in-one provided a much-needed boost. He finished the third round five strokes over par, thirteen strokes behind leader Shane Lowry. However, the history-making moment will undoubtedly remain a highlight of Kim's career and in the annals of the British Open.

As the tournament reaches its climax, all eyes will be on Kim to see if he can conjure up more magic at Royal Troon. His historic hole-in-one has certainly etched his name in the folklore of the Open Championship.