Floodwood's Cole Arro Records First Career Hole-in-One During Catfish Days Alumni Tournament
A friendly round of golf turned into a day to remember.
GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. — What began as a friendly round of golf became a day to remember for Floodwood's Cole Arro, who recorded his first career hole-in-one during the annual Catfish Days Alumni Golf Tournament at Pokegama Golf Course.
Arro aced the 172-yard eighth hole, a par 3, using a 6-iron while competing in the longtime alumni tournament held the Friday before Floodwood's Catfish Days celebration.
"It was my first one," Arro said. "I've been close before—probably within a foot or two—but never got one until now."
His playing partners—Zach Heggedahl, Al Suonvieri and Andrew Karpik—watched the shot find the cup. Fellow golfer Neil Johnson, who was playing in the group ahead, hurried back to the green to confirm the ball had dropped into the hole.
Arro, who plays in the Floodwood Men's League once a week with Tim Tollgaard, said he only recently returned to the game after taking several years away from golf.
"I got back into it last year," he said.
The memorable shot came during one of Floodwood's favorite Catfish Days traditions. Organized by Jason Erickson for more than 30 years, the alumni tournament brings together former classmates and friends for a day of golf at a different course each summer.
This year's event drew 28 golfers and featured its customary format, with players randomly paired into two-person scramble teams using a golf app. Arro teamed with Heggedahl, and the pair made the most of the opportunity by capturing the tournament championship.
In addition to cash prizes, the winners earned bragging rights for the year and their names will be added to the tournament's traveling championship trophy, a tradition that has become a highlight of the annual event.
While winning the tournament was rewarding, Arro said the hole-in-one is the accomplishment he will remember most.
A hole-in-one is one of golf's rarest achievements, with many players spending a lifetime pursuing one without success. Thanks to one perfectly struck 6-iron on Pokegama's eighth hole, Arro can now count himself among the select group of golfers who have experienced the feat.
The annual Catfish Days Alumni Golf Tournament remains one of the signature traditions leading into Floodwood's Catfish Days celebration, bringing alumni together each summer for friendly competition, fellowship and, this year, a memorable shot that will be talked about for years to come.
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