Hickory, NC – February 12, 2024: The Putt-Putt Fun Center in Hickory, NC, witnessed an extraordinary moment on January 14, 2024, as Bryan Deal of Valdese, NC, and his 11-year-old great-nephew, Kaiden Whaling of Hickory, NC, dazzled spectators in a thrilling two-round, 36-hole tournament. The venue, renowned for hosting prestigious PPA and APA tournaments, celebrated its inaugural score of 19 in a tournament setting, achieved through the best ball format.
The dynamic duo showcased an impressive display of skill and teamwork, acing an astonishing 27 out of the first 28 holes, narrowly missing a perfect 18 in the opening round. Their score of 19 marked the lowest ever recorded at the location, breaking the previous single-round tournament record set by Deal and Whaling’s grandfather, Richard Miller of Hudson, NC, in June 2023.
Despite a setback on hole ten, where perfection eluded them, Deal and Whaling quickly regained momentum. They hit an outstanding 18 consecutive hole-in-ones, concluding the two-round event with a total score of 40 or -32 under par. This remarkable feat secured them the lowest consecutive rounds of the tournament, clinching a well-deserved first-place finish.
In a remarkable start, the duo aced the first nine holes, achieving a flawless score on the front nine. Although hole ten presented a challenge, with Whaling settling for a deuce and Deal’s attempt circling the cup, the team rebounded swiftly. Their unmatched performance continued until hole eleven in the final round, solidifying their dominance on the leaderboard.
Notably, best ball tournaments have been a cornerstone at the Putt-Putt Fun Center over the years. The format allows any two individuals to form a team and compete, with the lowest scores recorded for each team in friendly competition against others. These putting tournaments are open to the public, welcoming participants of all skill levels. For more information and tournament details, interested individuals can visit the company’s website at https://puttputt.com/hickory-nc.
