Donegal golfer waits 44 years for a hole-in-one and then gets two in six weeks!

A Donegal golfer who waited 44 years for a hole in one has managed to achieve the goal twice in the past few weeks. 

James McFadden - who turns 60 years of age in May - first achieved the feat on the 13th hole at Letterkenny Golf Club, of which he is a member, and then again just six weeks later on the 9th hole at Dunfanaghy Golf Club. 

Speaking to Donegal Live from Dunfanaghy Golf Course, James said: "I feel amused that it took so long. It's like a bus, two come at once! " 

According to McFadden, after getting the hole in Dunfanaghy, his playing partner was also within inches of achieving the goal as well. 

James added: "He was a few inches away! Bobby Jones said if you get six inches from the hole it's a good shot, but if you get a hole in one it's pure luck. "I'm either getting better with age or luckier with age, I'm not sure which!" 

When asked what tips he has for anyone who wants to achieve the same extraordinary feat, he said, "Keep trying. If you've the right club in your hand you're halfway there." 

James reportedly used a pitching wedge to 120 yards when he achieved the hole in one in Dunfanaghy, and a Rescue Wood to about 180 yards in Letterkenny. 

A lifelong golfer, James has been playing the sport at Letterkenny Golf Club since he was a teenager, and has played all over Europe including at one of the world's best courses, St Andrews in Scotland. 

Speaking about his experience at St Andrews, he said, "It was fantastic. I played with a half set of hickories and managed 32 points, which is something I'll never forget." 

The odds of making a hole in one as a non-professional golfer are approximately 12,500 to one, while the odds for professionals drop to 2,500 to one. And with two holes in one under his belt, McFadden isn't stopping now. 

"I'm looking forward to number three!" he said.