Jeff --
Congrats! Funny enough, I have a similar story to yours. Also 35 years old, playing golf since I was 13. 12-13 handicap. Have hit the pin on a par-3, and holed out several times from the fairway, including from 145 yds on a Par 5 for eagle two years ago, but never a hole-in-one...
Until three weekends ago:
Shenandoah Valley Golf Club in Front Royal, VA. Red course, #6, 175 yards with a rescue club (4-iron equivalent). Normally, I can hit that club about 185, but that day I was a little short with everything, and I am more confident with it than my 5 iron. Turned out to be a good choice.
The pin was left-middle, my shot carried the front bunker, took one hop and rolled almost striaght in.
Played the same hole Memorial Day Monday with my father, and I hit the same club over the green.
Best part was all the congratulations from everyone at the clubhouse -- once my playing partners told a member of the staff, I had several people who didn't know my name come up and say "Great shot Mr. Chandler" or something like that.
I even posted my scorecard on my office door and waited for people to figure it out -- no one did, though people did ask "why do you have this thing here?" and I had to explain.
So it really is as good as everyone says.