3 day tournament in Barbados. Playing at The Country Club, Sandy Lane, St. James, Barbados on the last day, May 5, 2019. In 7th place, playing in the 2nd to last group. Nice sunny day with blustery winds up to 20mph, temperatures in the mid 80’s. Great day to play Golf. Started of hole number one with a par, had an okay look for birdie, but striking the ball confidently after a pretty good range session. Good solid drive on Hole #2, right center of fairway with about 125 yards to the green, pin in front on a steep front. Wanted to stay under the Hole, threw up the 50 degree Vokey high with minimal spin. Hit the front of the green and rolled back in the fairway about 20 yards from the pin. Little irritated, but 4 still possible. Poor pitch, 40 feet past the pin with a fast, treacherous putt coming back. Caddie warned me several times on the speed, but I hit a putt that, I thought felt good, but to my chagrin, ended up 25 yards back down the fairway. Long story/short, total meltdown from all angles and ended up with an “18”, yes, an 18, on the Hole. I did all I could to not WD from the tournament, but needless to say, I was steaming. Settled down a bit and parred #3 despite a long wait on the foursome ahead. Waited a while on #4, the par 3 over water, started to get heated about the waiting and reliving #2. Finally, I got up, teed the ball, a Titleist Pro V1, with wind blowing right to left, I pulled the Vokey SM7 50° out and made a smooth swing towards the right side of the green. The ball had a nice high flight and drifted towards the pin, landing about 12 feet to the right, but kept feeding towards the pin. I couldn’t tell the speed, but when it disappeared, I was actually hoping that I didn’t hit the pin and rolled away for a long put. My playing partner caddie ran up and started yelling, the group getting off the green started shouting, my caddie towards me yelling, the moment was surreal, but it hit me then that I had finally aced an Hole. I jumped on my caddie, my playing partners caddie, and felt a feeling that rivaled when my kids were born. It took me until I pulled that ball out of the hole to start calming down. And started to think about the expense of drinks I would be buying. Well, I finished the front with a 50. Not bad considering the 18 on #2. This effectively ended my hopes and I ended the day with a 93 and dropping down to 12th place. Drinks cost me $500 after tips. The camaraderie and the stories after was well worth it. Upon reflecting, I badly wanted that first HIO and despite the finish and the “18”, I would have to say, it was well worth it. Now, I look forward to more, but I will not expect it and I will always cherish this first one.