Holes-in-one give Elliot Saltman big lift after serving ban

Elliot Saltman now has another claim to fame on the European Tour other than as the player banned for three months over his ball-marking - two holes-in-one at the same hole in a tournament.

The 29-year-old yesterday aced the 211-yard 17th in the Saab Wales Open at Celtic Manor just as he had done in the opening round on Thursday. It was the first time it has happened on the circuit since Eamonn Darcy at the 1991 Mediterranean Open.

"I'm just overwhelmed with it - amazing," said Saltman, playing just his fifth event since returning from his suspension. "I hit a great seven-iron, it bounced once and in she pops. I'm so excited."

The only disappointing part was that a Saab car was on offer at the 13th, not the 17th.

Saltman had to settle for two magnums of champagne and a night in the resort's presidential suite worth 1,500.

Three days earlier, the Edinburgh golfer had followed his eight-iron shot with an eagle at the last. He very nearly did the same, but a birdie enabled him to finish a career-best 12th and earn over 29,000.

"That 17th hole I've only ever seen in the Ryder Cup. Seventeen is my lucky number now. My last hole-in-one was on the 17th at Craigielaw (his home club]."

On the reception he has had from fellow players since his return Saltman commented: "Every week is getting better. A lot's been said but, at the end of the day, what happens happens. There have been a lot of players who have been brilliant and welcomed me back.

"I don't live in the past - I live for the present and future and right now I'm feeling absolutely brilliant.

"I'm out here to do a job and concentrate on one shot at a time.

"I'm delighted to be back. It's been a long slog if you like, more mental than anything else.