MX23RW : Friday, December 13 12:33:16| >> :600:362679621:362679621:

Shawn Stefani overjoyed at Merion hole in one

Stefani overjoyed at hole in one
© AP Photos
American Shawn Stefani expresses his delight after becoming the first player to record a hole in one in a US Open at Merion.

American Shawn Stefani has become the first player to record a hole in one in a US Open at Merion.

The 31-year-old from Baytown, Texas, posted a 15-over 85 on day three, but ensured that he left Merion on a high note by acing the 213-yard par-three 17th on Sunday.

"I didn't know what to do but jump up and down for joy," said Stefani, who finished the tournament on 19 over after signing for a one-under 69. "I was actually trying to hit the left side of the green and cut it. And then I kind of pulled it. I pulled it about five yards.

"And the wind was kind of down off the left and it really didn't help at all. It didn't move it to the right. And honestly I think I've seen a bunch of balls this week kind of not kick to the right and I was really surprised to see the ball kick to the right.

"And then once it did kick, it kept rolling and I was like, well this could be good. And the fans stood up and then it kept getting closer and closer and then when it went in, I was just super excited because it's the first hole in one I've ever had in a tournament."

This is the fifth year that the US Open has been held at Merion.

ID:89249: cacheID:89249:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:1924:
Written by
Robert Summerscales
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Luke Donald plays a shot during the Northern Trust Open on February 14, 2013
Read Next:
Donald disappointed with costly finish
>
Read more about Shawn Stefani Golf