After the Ace
Whisky for a friend's first hole in one
The ask
One of our Saturday foursome made his first hole in one yesterday, at 71, on a long par three. By custom he owes everyone a round. The other three of us want to stand it for him with a bottle worthy of the shot. He drinks single malt. Around $1,200.
The gift
A bottle of The Yamazaki 18 Years Old single malt, from the distillery opened in 1923 between Kyoto and Osaka as Japan's first commercial malt whisky distillery. In September 2025 it was named Supreme Champion Spirit at the International Spirits Challenge, the competition's highest honor across all categories, judged blind, the third year running for a Yamazaki whisky. A licensed partner delivers it to his door with a card signed by his three partners.
Why it's extraordinary
By golf custom, whoever makes a hole in one stands a round for everyone at the clubhouse bar. One good bottle, shared until it is empty, is a known compromise. His partners stand it for him.
The moment
The bottle is opened at his table that weekend, and the three who saw the shot pour the first glasses before he can reach for his wallet.
A curator replies within one business day.
