Two WA golfers have been officially recognised by Guinness World Records as achieving the most holes-in-one on the same hole in competition.
Late Cottesloe Golf Club member Barry Harper and Royal Perth Life Member Bob Howe now officially share this remarkable record after each achieved five career holes-in-one on the same hole during competitive play.
Harper was a member at Cottesloe for 57 years before his passing in 2018 at the age of 78. During that time, he fired seven holes-in-one at the club, including five at the 13th hole between 1980 and 2004.
Howe, meanwhile, matched this feat with five aces at Royal Perth’s 14th hole between 1997 and 2012. Now an octogenarian, Howe is well known at the club for the number of times he has beaten his age. He has achieved an incredible 14 holes-in-one during his career to date.
Barry Harper’s hole-in-one exploits on Cottesloe’s 13th have been officially recognised by Guinness World Records
The WA duo have replaced fellow Aussie Tony Riches as the holder of this particular record. Riches, a former PGA professional, aced the 7th hole at the Club Catalina course in Batemans Bay, NSW, on four occasions between 2015 and 2023.
Harper’s posthumous place in the record books came as a direct result of Cottesloe’s club historian Phil Ryan reading coverage of Riches’ perceived record last last year.
Knowing Cottesloe GC history like the back of his hand, Ryan was aware of Harper’s five aces at the 13th hole and set about gathering the evidence required to satisfy Guinness World Records’ requirements.
Thanks to Phil’s efforts, the club has now received an official certificate confirming Harper’s status as a world record holder, which will be proudly displayed in the clubhouse.
“Members and staff alike at Cottesloe are excited by Barry’s Guinness World Record recognition,” said club CEO Tracey-Lea Tiley. “Although he is not here today to accept the award, we are certain his family and friends will be pleased with the acknowledgement.”
Howe was also required to compile an extensive dossier of evidence for formal submission to Guinness World Records, with the joint records confirmed in July.
The sweet-swinging Bob Howe has chalked up 14 career aces – including five at Royal Perth’s 14th
