The Best Hole-in-One Celebrations at Golf’s Rowdiest Par-3s

Epic aces, wild crowds, and beer showers at golf’s loudest par-3s.
Sam Ryder - WM Phoenix Open
Sam Ryder - WM Phoenix Open | Mike Mulholland/GettyImages

Golf’s party holes have become must-watch entertainment, where an ace doesn’t just bring cheers—it ignites absolute mayhem. From TPC Scottsdale’s legendary 16th to LIV Golf Adelaide’s “Watering Hole,” these are the best hole-in-one moments where fans took celebrations to the next level.

1. Sam Ryder – WM Phoenix Open, 2022 (16th Hole, TPC Scottsdale)

When Ryder’s ball dropped in, the stadium-style 16th exploded. Beer cans rained down, players were doused, and for a moment, it felt more like a championship-winning goal celebration than a golf shot. The viral footage cemented the 16th as the wildest hole in golf.

2. Chase Koepka – LIV Golf Adelaide, 2023 (Watering Hole, The Grange)

LIV’s take on the Phoenix Open’s amphitheater delivered in a big way when Koepka aced it. The crowd went ballistic, showering the tee and green with drinks in what quickly became one of LIV Golf’s signature moments.

3. Patrick Reed – LIV Golf Adelaide, 2024 (Watering Hole, The Grange)

Another year, another insane scene at Adelaide’s party hole. Reed’s ace sent the already buzzing crowd into overdrive as beer cans flew and chants erupted. It was further proof that this hole is becoming one of the rowdiest spots in the sport.

4. Carlos Ortiz's hole-in-one, WM Phoenix Open, 2022 (16th Hole, TPC Scottsdale)

Carlos Ortiz sent fans into an absolute frenzy at the WM Phoenix Open after he made an ace at No.16 in 2022. Fans embraced the new era of golf celebrations, launching drinks skyward as Ortiz soaked in the chaos.

5. Francesco Molinari – WM Phoenix Open, 2015 (16th Hole, TPC Scottsdale)

Before Ryder and the modern era of full-on drink showers, Molinari’s ace proved that Phoenix fans were always ready to go wild. The reaction may not have been as extreme as today’s, but it was an early glimpse of what was coming.

The One That Could Have Been

Tiger Woods – WM Phoenix Open, 1997 (16th Hole, TPC Scottsdale)

Tiger’s hole-in-one at TPC Scottsdale is still one of the loudest roars in golf history. The crowd erupted, Tiger fist-pumped, and chaos ensued—but it happened before the beer-throwing tradition took hold. If that same shot happened today, the green would have been buried under a tsunami of cans.

My Final Thoughts

These moments prove that golf has evolved far beyond quiet claps and traditional etiquette—fans are bringing a whole new level of energy to the game. With party holes becoming a staple at certain events, it’s only a matter of time before we see even bigger celebrations and wilder atmospheres.

That said, I don’t expect to see these kinds of scenes at Augusta or any major championship venues anytime soon. But there’s definitely a place for this type of energy in tournaments that embrace rowdy fans. One event that comes to mind? The Ryder Cup. With its built-in passion, national pride, and intense atmosphere, a “watering hole” there could take the excitement to another level.

Personally, I’m all for it. The rowdy, high-energy vibes of these party holes add a unique thrill to the sport, and I’d love to see more non-major venues follow suit. Golf should be fun, and these electric moments prove just how entertaining it can be.