English golfer Ben Schmidt must really love dogs.
The world No.326 was taking part in the British Masters when he bagged a one-in-one at the 14th and staged a wild celebration.
Such feats often result in some form of bonus, and it seemed as if Schmidt had pocketed himself one.
Yet there was a catch – the £50,000 prize went solely to a dog charity.
The sponsors of the Betfred British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo made the 190-yard par three 14th hole a special challenge with any hole-in-ones going to the charity Guide Dogs.
The organisation is one of the UK’s leading charities, training dogs for those who have suffered with sight loss.
Schmidt was the first to achieve the feat at the DP World Tour event with a perfect shot that sparked huge cheers at The Belfry Golf Club in Sutton Coldfield.
The 23-year-old jumped in celebration before hugging his caddy and taking the plaudits with his playing partners before going to collect his ball.
Schmidt is an up-and-coming English talent in golf, having won the English Boys’ U18 Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship and Carris Trophy at the age of 16.
Plenty at stake at the British Masters
At the British Masters he’s sharing the course with a number of big names who are trying to book their place at this year’s Ryder Cup.
Just one automatic qualifying spot is left up for grabs with Team Europe and it’s currently occupied by Irishman Shane Lowry.
All eyes are on Rasmus Hojgaard at the British Masters as he tries to up his points and take part in the Ryder Cup in New York from September 26 to 28.
A top 30 finish would see the Dane leapfrog Lowry into the top six automatic qualification spots.
Even if Lowry is knocked out of the top six, he’s still almost certain to be one of captain Luke Donald’s six other picks.
The 2019 Open champion has played in two Ryder Cups already, losing the 2021 edition before winning in Rome in 2023.
It also seems that Donald has five of his other five picks already decided, with Jon Rahm, Viktor Hovland, Ludvig Aberg, Sepp Straka and Matt Fitzpatrick all seasoned elite players.
Donald’s final Ryder Cup decision
Should Hojgaard miss out on the top six, there still appears to be one final spot still up for grabs.
Speaking at the British Masters, Donald said: “I’m obviously excited about the five that are locked in.
“There’s a bunch of guys from that 2023 team that are still performing well, Viktor, Ludwig, Sepp, Shane, Fitzy have been playing really well.
“But you’ve got some other guys that are trying to force their way on to the team, like Marco [Penge] last week, really tremendous performance, looks very much in control and tough circumstances against a crowd that was.
“Harry Hall has been playing great. There’s many others, as well, that obviously are still really on the radar.
“It always happens in Ryder Cups. People make a push at the end and want to be part of the team. Even though it’s a headache for me in terms of how many players are giving themselves a chance it’s really a good headache.
“It’s a good opportunity for me to see all these players and how much they really want to be part of it. Yeah, I’m excited to see how these next couple weeks turn out.”