Norm Manley: Long Beach’s King of Aces

Long Beach Legend: My Ace and the Golfer Who Made 92 Look Easy

The Moment It Happens

Standing on the tee at Recreation Park 18, Hole 5—a downhill, 110-yard par 3—I struck the shot. It landed, rolled, and disappeared into the cup.

It was my first hole-in-one.

For me, it was a once-in-a-lifetime thrill. For most amateur golfers, the odds of making an ace are about 1 in 12,500. Even seasoned professionals average only one every few thousand rounds. This rarity is what makes the achievement so special: it’s personal, and it’s unforgettable.

But here in Long Beach, we have a local legend who made the impossible feel routine.

A Long Beach Original: Norm Manley

Norm Manley was a proud Long Beach golfer who still holds the Guinness World Record for the most hole-in-ones ever recorded: 92.

His incredible feats became part of local lore, celebrated not just in Southern California but across the entire golf world.

Manley’s achievements are truly mind-boggling:

• 92 career aces—a number that still defies belief.

• The rare “Great Albatross,” a hole-in-one on a par 4.

• Recognition that is permanently etched into the Guinness Book of World Records.

While most golfers spend a lifetime chasing one ace, Manley made them part of his identity. His name is synonymous with golf history, and here in Long Beach, it’s a massive point of hometown pride.

Putting Manley's Record in Perspective

To grasp the magnitude of 92, consider these comparisons:

The odds of making a single ace are astronomical. The odds of making 92? Beyond calculation. Manley’s record isn’t just about luck—it’s about relentless play, precision, and a fearless approach to attacking pins.

Inspiration for Every Golfer

I often think back to my own ace at Rec Park 18 (on September 13, 2024, to be exact). I now appreciate Norm’s accomplishment even more. For me, it was one shining moment. For him, it was a lifetime of them.

As I approach my game now, I try to channel a little more of Norm Manley:

• Play with confidence.

• Aim boldly.

• Believe that the next swing could be the one.

A Legacy That Belongs to Long Beach

Norm Manley’s record may never be broken. More importantly, it belongs to more than just the record books—it belongs to Long Beach. His story enriches our city’s golf heritage, reminding us that true greatness can emerge from our own fairways and greens.

For every golfer who tees it up in Long Beach, whether at Rec Park, Skylinks, or El Dorado, Norm’s legacy whispers the same encouragement: Your story matters. Your next swing could be the one.

Closing Reflection

Golf is beautiful because it gives us stories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re a weekend warrior like me with one unforgettable ace, or a world-record holder like Norm Manley with 92, the shared joy is the same.

Norm’s story is Long Beach’s story, and it’s one worth telling again and again.