One local golfer’s day started with a swing — and ended with a $10,000 payday.
During the 34th Annual Cherry Scramble at Pipestone Creek Golf Course in Eau Claire, Mike Augustine delivered a moment that will go down in Pipestone history. Last Saturday, June 28th, with a shotgun start set for 8:00 AM, Mike teed off on hole #12 — his very first shot of the day — and aced it, winning a grand prize of $10,000.
Several teams were gathered on and near holes #12 and #16 at the time and witnessed the unforgettable moment. Mike’s ball landed roughly four yards short of the hole, took a single bounce on the green, and dropped straight into the cup. One golfer on the tee box was overheard saying, “Did that just go in?”
Pipestone Creek co-owners Adam and Dustin Lester were also present. Dustin immediately drove down to the green with phone camera in hand to verify the shot. “When I got there, I saw one fresh ball mark and Mike’s ball sitting in the cup,” said Dustin. “I turned around and yelled back up to the tee box to confirm it, and the whole place just erupted.”
Even golfers elsewhere on the course said they heard the roar that followed. In a short post-round interview, Mike shared that it was the first hole-in-one of his life — and certainly one he’ll never forget.
Pipestone Creek’s management team is currently working through the paperwork process for Mike to claim his prize from the Hole In One insurance company.
The Cherry Scramble is an annual tradition at Pipestone Creek Golf Course, hosted on the last Saturday of June. This year marked the biggest turnout in event history with 120 golfers (30 teams).
“We’ve been hosting the Cherry Scramble for 34 years,” said Dustin. “But this one? This one will be go down in Pipestone lore forever.”
Adam and Dustin Lester are the third generation of family ownership at Pipestone Creek Golf Course. The layout was envisioned and built, hole by hole, by their grandfather Bruce Dustin, in the 1950s and has been family operated ever since. The course is known for its inviti9ng, unpretentious atmosphere and a welcoming attitude to newer golfers and families.
The Lester’s also operate the Pipestone Indoor golf facility in the Arts District of Benton Harbor.
Golfer Mike Augustine, winner of $10,000 Hole-In-One at Pipestone Creek
