A new twist has emerged in Breedon Priory golfer James Longland's historic feat of two holes-in-one in the same round.
Golf historians have been scrutinising the record books since hearing about Longland's two aces at par-four holes at his home course, as reported in the Mercury last week.
There were initial reports that he was the first person for almost 50 years to achieve such a feat, following a similar incident in the USA in 1964 by Norman Manley.
Now the highly-respected Double Eagle Club, the 'worldwide registry for double eagles scored' based in America, has told Longland that he is, in fact, the first person ever to have struck two holes-in-one on par-fours in the same round.
Founder and registrar Michael Chistensen emailed Longland to say: "To the best of my knowledge, your accomplishment is the first in recorded history."
However, the Guinness Book of Records, who have also been in touch with Longland, have said that he is the second man to achieve the feat.
Longland, who has been the subject of media attention all around the world, said: "It seems that the Double Eagle Club, whose motto is 'excellence achieved', have not verified Norman Manley's two aces, but the Guinness Book of Records have accepted it and included it in their publication.
"Whichever I am, first or second, I am still extremely thrilled to have clinched a spot in golfing history.
"It appears I am definitely the first golfer to do this outside the USA anyway, which is great news to have confirmed."
Four-handicapper Longland fired both his aces on par-four holes during a Turkey Stableford competition at Breedon Priory, in which he shot 67 gross (63 net).
