David Fern was certain that there had been an error.
Last Monday, the women’s golfer at Whitworth University, Division III, in Spokane Washington, was shocked by what he saw. Gabby Martinez, a sophomore at Wine Valley Golf Club’s par-5 7th hole (490 yards), had a score of 2 on her scorecard. An albatross.
Brianna McNelly, a senior golfer, had a 2-pop up only 30 minutes after.
Fern told Golfweek, “I really hoped someone didn’t mistakenly put a 2, when they meant a 5. “I began to hear more and more about it, and I finally believed that it was true.”
Fern was part of Whitworth’s “B” team on the opposite side of the course. He then hopped into his cart and drove over to the other end to see if it was true.
It was.
McNelly and Martinez both made albatrosses during the final round at the Confluence Classic, in Walla Walla. Martinez holed her 6-iron at 192 yards for the first two groups. McNelly dunked a 7-wood at 202 yards.
McNelly stated, “It was the most pure shot I have ever made.” I wanted to try an eagle-putt, because I have never made one. I’m the only one who has an albatross, but no eagle.
Gabby Martinez (right), Brianna McNelly, and Gabby Martinez each made albatross at the Confluence Classic last week. (Photo provided)
According to the PGA of America, there are 6,000,000-to-1 odds of an albatross. Comparatively, the odds of making a “hole-in-one” are 12,500 to 1.
Dave Hall, Whitworth’s assistant, was Martinez’s partner when she positioned her approach to the par 5 hole. The two chose a line that went over the bunker. Hall replied, “Yep. Right there.” Martinez hit her 7-wood.
It’s safe to say that they got it right.
Fern said, “It’s unbelievable.” I don’t believe that this has ever happened in college golf history, where two teammates made albatross on the same hole at the same time. It’s incredible.”
In a qualifying round last year, Holy Cross teammates Christian Emmerich (left) and Owen Egan (right) both achieved albatross while playing in the same groups. It wasn’t a tournament round.
Whitworth finished runner-up behind George Fox, the defending national champion. McNelly tied for seventh place while Martinez finished T-21.
McNelly, and Martinez will have a story they can tell for the rest of their life.
