While the world’s workers and businesses brace for recession, the golf mega-mansion market continues to boom. In February, actor Mark Wahlberg sold his Beverly Hills home with a backyard pitch-and-putt for $55 million. A few months later we saw a Calgary compound with its own nine-hole track and clubhouse hit the market for $14 million and marvelled at a Scottish estate steps from two of the most famous links greens on earth. Recently we even got a peek at Patrick Mahomes’ new backyard golf haven. Now we have another entry to the golf real-estate portfolio with this $8-million Columbus-area estate featuring its own immaculately manicured par-3 hole and putting green.

If you didn’t know any better, you might mistake that for Augusta National’s iconic 16th hole and the similarities don’t end there. In addition to the six bedrooms, seven-and-a-half bathrooms and four fireplaces, the Delaware County home features a study modelled after Augusta National’s wood-paneled clubhouse.

The 12,000-square-foot spread offers plenty of perks beyond just ANGC worship, including 10-12 foot ceilings on every floor, an elevator, an outdoor infinity pool and a fully renovated party barn that sits on top of a 10-car garage. Needless to say, if you’re looking for a luxurious taste of the Masters in southern Ohio (and have the cash for it), you could do a lot worse than this gem.

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According to the Zanesville Times Recorder, Bender, a 93-year-old Ohioan, made his first ace in seven decades of playing golf at Green Valley (Ohio) Golf Club.

“I’d come close to some hole-in-ones, but this one was level on the green before it curved towards the hole and went in,” Bender told the Times Recorder. “I was in awe watching it.”

And, according to Bender, it came in the final round of his life.

“I played a few more holes, but my hips were hurting and I had to stop,” Bender said. “It seemed the Lord knew this was my last round so he gave me a hole-in-one.”

Bender began playing when he bought a set of Wilson’s and a golf bag for $50. He got as low as a 3 handicap, although admitted his game has struggled as of late. Making his feat that much sweeter.

“I was lucky to play golf this long, but I never expected (a hole-in-one),” Bender said. “It was the last time I was able to play, and I think God had a hand in this. I loved the game and hate to give it up, but I can’t play forever.”

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