Local golfer has scored 14 holes-in-one since she picked up the game

Pat Kelly has achieved what very few pro athletes can boast. The 79-year-old woman says she has had 14 holes-in-one in her golf career.

“It doesn’t seem impressive to me since there’s a lot of luck involved,” Kelly said recently.

The chances of a hole-in-one are 12,500 to 1, according to Brandon Moser, the pro at Shalimar Pointe Golf and Country Club.

“It’s extremely rare,” Moser said. “I’ve been playing for nine years and I’ve only had one. Many other golfers better than I am might not have any. The odds are against them.

“It just takes skill and luck.”

Kelly, who lives in Shalimar, said she started golfing in 1954 with her husband. She golfs three times a week on Lady’s Tuesdays, Fridays and date days on Sundays with her husband.

Kelly’s latest hole-in-one was Dec. 16 at Shalimar.

“You know, it never gets old,” Kelly said, laughing. “I was so excited that Sunday, and my husband even got to see me. He has not had one yet, but he’s proud. He’s always beating my drum.”

She said her first hole-in-one was in November 1991. She keeps a running list of when, where and which hole she has scored her an ace.

“I can’t even describe it,” Kelly said. “It was a special feeling. It’s hard to explain. I guess you could say it’s kind of like hitting the jackpot. It’s really exciting, unbelievable and you can’t believe it really happened.”