The odds of hitting a hole-in-one are slim—about 1 in 12,500 for an average golfer per National Golf Registry. This means that for every 12,500 times a golfer tees off on a par 3, it’s expected that there would be at least one hole-in-one. For golf professionals, the odds improve to 1 in 2,500, slightly better, but still very much a rare occurrence.

Many golfers never achieve a hole-in-one during their lifetime. But for Mark Lathrop and his son, Parker, lightning struck twice within just three weeks.

On July 20, 2024, while playing Hole 14 at the Sonnenalp Golf Course with his daughter Emma and son-in-law Christian Cambier, Mark took aim at the pin, which was tucked away at the back of the green. As his ball soared through the air, Mark watched hopefully but had no clear view of where it was rolling, although it seemed to be going directly towards the pin.

After he had hit the ball, Christian said that the shot was “really good.” Mark made a light-hearted remark, “Yeah, it’ll probably go in the hole,” to which his son-in-law replied, “No, seriously, I think it actually did go in!” Hopeful but uncertain of the outcome, they drove up to the green.

As they approached the green, two men came running out of a nearby home, shouting, “It went in! It went in!” Mark, still in disbelief, walked over to the hole and was shocked to find his Titleist 1 nestled at the bottom of the cup. He was truly stunned! This was his second career hole-in-one, but his first at Sonnenalp after nearly 30 years of playing the course.

Just two weeks later, on August 4, 2024, Mark nearly made another hole-in-one on the Sonnenalp Golf Course, this time on Hole 2. With the pin being located in the front right part of the green, Mark hit his tee shot, which struck the pin in the air, and almost dunked the ball in the cup for another hole-in-one. Parker was convinced that his father was going to get his third hole-in-one before he himself achieved his first one.

On August 10, 2024, at 7:10 AM, Mark and Parker teed off for another round. Parker’s start was rough, with a double bogey on the first hole, but he remained optimistic as he approached the second tee.

As the ball left his 8-iron, it was clear to him that the ball was on a perfect trajectory and tracking directly towards the pin. The ball landed on the front right part of the green, rolled steadily toward the hole, and disappeared into the cup. Parker yelled, “It went in!” and Mark, in disbelief, asked, “Did it really go in?” “Yes, it did!” Parker confirmed.

Celebrations ensued and Parker woke up Singletree residents with celebratory hoots and hollers at 7:25 in the morning.  James Thomason, a resident nearby, had heard the ruckus and was convinced that someone was hit by a car. Parker would not comment on the matter, as he could neither confirm or deny his actions immediately following his Ace.

Reflecting on the moment, Parker said, “While the athletic achievement is meaningful and still very surreal, it was awesome to be able to make a hole-in-one with my dad. He was the one who taught me how to golf and we have shared a lot of time on the golf course. It was a far more emotional event than I would have expected. Of course, you’re pumped up because you did what all golfers dream of, but  for me, it was a very nostalgic reminder of all of the great memories I’ve had on the golf course.”

This summer has been unforgettable for the Lathrop’s. While their streak of luck on the golf course may have run out, the memories will last a lifetime. Who will be the next family to follow in their footsteps?