Riding High on U.S. Open Win, Irwin Scores Ace in Buick Classic

Hale Irwin picked up where he left off at the U.S. Open and scored a hole in one en route to a 5-under-par 66 in today’s first round of the Buick Classic.

“Obviously there’s a very positive carry-over from last week,” said Irwin, who trailed early leader Kirk Triplett by one shot.

The 45-year-old Irwin became the oldest man to win the U.S. Open when he defeated Mike Donald on Monday in the first sudden-death hole after an 18-hole playoff left them still tied.

Irwin’s ace came at the 112-yard sixth hole at the Westchester Country Club. He started his round from the 10th tee and was 2 under par when he hit a pitching wedge a few feet behind the pin on his 15th hole of the round.

The ball spun back into the cup and Irwin--just as he did after a dramatic birdie on the 72nd hole of the Open--went to the gallery ropes to slap high-fives with spectators.

“This is the Big Apple. You’ve got to play to the gallery,” said Irwin, who capped his round with an 8-foot birdie on the final hole.