In a feat as improbable as lightning striking twice, 56-year-old Frank Bensel Jr. aced consecutive holes during the U.S. Senior Open, defying 67-million-to-1 odds at Newport Country Club on Friday.

Jupiter, Florida's Frank Bensel Jr. stunned the golfing world by making back-to-back holes-in-one on the par-three fourth and fifth holes during the second round of the U.S. Senior Open. Using a 6-iron for both miraculous shots, Bensel covered distances of 173 and 202 yards to achieve a historic first in any Tour-sanctioned event, according to the PGA Tour Champions. Despite his jaw-dropping aces, Bensel's luck quickly ran dry as he followed up with consecutive bogeys, ending his round at one-over par. This remarkable yet humbling day adds another layer to the colorful tapestry of a golfer whose career has been more about grit than glamour.

The back-to-back aces happened at Newport Country Club, a challenging 7,024-yard, par-70 course known for testing even the most seasoned golfers. Bensel's feat was a bright spot in a tournament where he was struggling, sitting one-over par for the round and six-over par overall. As improbable as it was, his accomplishment has been described by the United States Golf Association (USGA) as 'truly historic.' Sometimes, golf offers moments that defy the odds—and common sense.

The first ace came on the par-three fourth hole, a 173-yard challenge. Bensel teed up with his trusty 6-iron, and to the amazement of everyone present, the ball found its way directly into the cup. As if one astonishing shot wasn't enough, Bensel somehow repeated the magic on the very next hole — the par-three fifth, spanning 202 yards — with the same 6-iron. The golfing gods clearly had something special in store for him that day.

Such a feat isn't just statistically improbable; it's nearly unheard of. The odds of making two holes-in-one in the same round stand at an astronomical 67 million-to-1, according to the National Hole-In-One Registry. To put it into perspective, you're more likely to be struck by lightning and win the lottery on the same day. No golfer has ever made back-to-back aces in any Tour-sanctioned event on record, making Bensel's achievement a first in the annals of golfing history.

Sadly, Bensel's moment of unprecedented glory was short-lived. The subsequent two holes were less kind, as he made back-to-back bogeys. This downturn brought him down to earth, ending his round at one-over par. Nevertheless, the back-to-back holes-in-one will be the highlight of a career that has seen its share of ups and downs.

Bensel's golfing career has been characterized more by persistence than by podium finishes. He has competed in six PGA Tour events but has never made the cut. His appearance at the U.S. Senior Open was only his third on the PGA Tour Champions. His previous attempts have also been less than stellar, with a 77th place finish at the Senior PGA Championship in 2021 being his most notable result. One might say that Bensel's journey through the greens has, thus far, included more rough patches than smooth sails.

Despite his lackluster performance in the past, Bensel's consecutive aces have catapulted him into the limelight, if only for a brief moment. His unremarkable record makes his feat even more compelling, showing that even the most ordinary of golfers can achieve extraordinary things under the right circumstances.

Adding to the day's intrigue, Bernhard Langer, last year’s U.S. Senior Open champion, was trying to defend his title but found himself seven shots behind the leading duo heading into the second round. In a tournament teeming with veteran talent, Bensel’s double hole-in-one served as a captivating diversion and a reminder that golf is a game where anything can happen.

For a sport that often thrives on predictability, Bensel's extraordinary day served as a refreshing departure from the norm. As spectators and fellow players alike marveled at his accomplishment, it gave everyone a reason to pause and appreciate the unpredictable, thrilling nature of golf.

The story of Frank Bensel Jr.'s back-to-back aces is a testament to the wonderful unpredictability of sports. It's a reminder that, regardless of past performances or current standings, the next great moment might be just a swing away. While Bensel may not have finished atop the leaderboard, he will forever be remembered for one of the most incredible sequences in golf history.