Hershey, Neb. — While it wasn’t Josh Bode’s first hole in one, the ace he made the weekend before the Hershey Fall Festival is liable to be the one he’s most remembered for making. That’s because Bode not only won $10,000, he also made the nightly news.
This August, during the Hershey Lions Club Golf Tournament, Bode aced the 147-yard Hole 5 at the Oregon Trail Golf Course in Sutherland with a 5-iron, winning himself $10,000, courtesy of the Hershey Agency, and paid for by Hole In One International.
According to Vern Ehlers, Manager of The Hershey Agency, who insured the big-ticket prize, the tournament takes place each year before the town’s Fall Festival and is one of a few key fundraisers for the Hershey Lions Club which raises about $20,000 annually.
“We’re a small town of 600-800 people, and this is one of our community’s two big golf events, which we’ve been sponsoring for about 10 or so years now. I’ve sort of thought of it as a $195 sign that helps support the community. I never expected anyone to actually have a hole in one,” explained Ehlers who has already ordered a “Happy Gilmore” check to present to Bode.
Elhers continued, “Hole In One International has been awesome to work with. It takes what, maybe 2 – 3 minutes to set up the quote and maybe a total of five to ten minutes and you’re done. It’s just easy. And the claim process was easy too. Everyone was just great to work with.”
As for Bode, he’s just savoring his latest ace, “I’m not actually a good golfer. It was pretty lucky.”
