The thing about the career round is that almost all of us can get that if we work hard enough for it. I'm sure most of us practice more than the average players, but we all know we could practice more, and improve our games noticeably, if we had the time or the extra dedication.

An ace, on the other hand, is an act of God -- if it weren't, Huck would have one and the 75-year-old lady with the 11-wood on a 90-yard par 3 would never get one.

An ace, on the other hand, is an act of God -- if it weren't, Huck would have one and the 75-year-old lady with the 11-wood on a 90-yard par 3 would never get one.

Be careful, partner.

Twenty-some years from now, that 75-year-old lady with the 11-wood on the 90-yard par-3 is gonna be your wife -- who'll've been working like a dog on her game for 30 years!

She's not gonna wanna hear that her ace was an "act of God"!

(Of course I agree: An ace is an act of God. Why else would you and I have one, and Huckaby wouldn't?)

Ted, I'm curious.  If you had your druthers, would you take the ace at ND or a career low score - well played round at Yeamans?  That is a no brainer for me...

Dick,

This is a great question.  I have shot 8, 70's but have never shot the elusive 69.  I am the only 5-handicap I know who has never broken 70.  Would I take a career 69 at Plum Hollow over my first ace...No way!  I am confident that I will eventually bury the putt on 18 and get my 69 but as Huckaby proves, I might never get another ace.  Now asked the question today, would I take a 69 at Plum over my 3rd ace...heck yes!

Heck guys, I am such a tart, I'd sell out my future first ace to break 78.  As a 15 index, I have not broken 80 on a decent course.  For me to shoot 70 something at a good course would mean I'd have to have a career day making many putts and quality tee ball placements and approach shots.  The best I have ever done was 3 birdies in a round and still shot 83.  Yet, I have hit the pin any number of times, and just last month hit the pin and left it a foot from the hole on a decent 175 yarder.  There was a brief moment of elation-anticipation, but then I realised that even if it had gone in the hole, it would just be one shot in the round, and if the rest of the round stinks, well... it is just like a 29 in cribbage.  (I had two of them)...  I'd rather be good, or get better at my golf game than the ace right now because 70 something would really signify that I improved my game.