Palmer Sea Reef golf course celebrated a milestone yesterday after a very happy golfer recorded the first ever hole in one on the Port Douglas golf course since it was acquired by Palmer Golf Australia.

The feat comes just days after the full management rights of the course were handed over to Palmer Golf last week.

Often touted as the ultimate achievement for any golfer, the ace was hit by one of the course’s employees, Jason Dawes, who works in golf operations and the pro shop.

The par-three, 130-metre third hole is where the remarkable achievement took place with 36-year-old Dawes saying he couldn’t quite believe his eyes.

“I was using a pitching wedge and at first I thought I’d hit it too long, but the ball landed about four feet beyond the hole then spun back and dropped straight in,” said Dawes, who plays off a handicap of one.

“It was my sixth hole in one but my first on this course. I managed to shoot even par for my whole round so it was a pretty good day.

“When I saw it drop in I was stoked. It was the perfect shot that you’re always trying to hit,” he said.

With the ace coming so soon after Palmer Golf took full control of the course, Managing Director Angie Ison said she hopes it serves as a good omen to other golfers.

“We were all very excited to hear the news and it really does cap what has been a great week for the course,” Mrs Ison said.