By Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

BELLEFONTE, Ky. — Evidently, “7” is Carson Blankenship’s lucky number.

Playing in the practice round and qualifying round of the American Junior Golf Association Bluegrass Junior Tournament at Bellefonte Country Club, the Ironton Fighting Tigers junior golfer pulled off an incredible feat.

Blankenship got a hole-in-one of the No.7 hole during his practice round which was impressive. However, he doubled down on it by recording an ace in the qualifying round on, wait for it, hole No.7.

“I’ve never had a hole-in-one. It was kind of crazy because I didn’t see even one of them go in. I knew when I was walking up to the green on the second one it was a mirror image of the first shot,” said Blankenship. “I said, ‘I think I just did it again.’”

A total of 96 golfers were vying for the 5 qualifying places and Blankenship just missed the cut with a 3-over 73. The fifth place golfer ahead of him shot a 71.

“I played pretty well. I had a couple of stupid bogeys down the stretch. If I take out some of the stupid bogeys, I’m right there with the leaders.”

Even though getting an ace is an outstanding feat, it might have proved to have had a short negative effect.

“After I made the hole-in-one, I had a bogey on eight. I think I was just in the moment of the hole-in-one. I was a little bit distracted, but after that I locked it in and started making some pars,” said Blankenship.

Blankenship is a member of the Ironton golf team and he is using the tournament to jump start the upcoming season.

“My game has improved a lot,” said Blankenship. “I’ve worked my butt off and I’m just ready to get out there with my team. I just want to get off the individual stuff.

“We have Eli Ford who transferred in and he’s a solid player. Hunter Freeman, our number one man, is back and Judah Barnes. xx Keyes has been over at Bellefonte everyday this summer,” said Blankenship.