Knowles Aces Roddick Charity Golf Event

© Justin GimelstobKnowles, an avid golfer, hit his first hole-in-one Wednesday.

Doubles legend Mark Knowles hit a memorable ace Wednesday morning, though it wasn’t struck on his usual surface of choice, but rather the second hole of the Austin Country Club during a golf exhibition hosted by the Andy Roddick Foundation in Texas.

On the par 3 second hole, the flag stood 178 yards away and the Bahamian’s club of choice, a 7 iron, proved to be the perfect selection. The four-time major doubles champion hit his tee shot beautifully and it landed three feet past the hole. Known for his soft hands at the net, his touch translated to the smaller white ball, as it spun back directly into the cup to give the elated Knowles his first hole-in-one.  “I’m pretty pumped to finally have an ace as most of my golf friends have had one. I’m most pleased that it was a nice shot,” Knowles told ATPWorldTour.com. “I have never really come close before."

Playing the course for the first time, Knowles was paired with James Blake and Getty Rothenberg, manager of the Dave Matthews Band in a friendly round of golf that also included Roddick, former pro and now ATP Board member Justin Gimelstob and Dr. Josh Dines, who were drawn to play together in the first group. “Mark Knowles is the total athletic package now proven by his ace today,” declared Gimelstob.

“He hit it pure and it trickled in as if it was a deft drop volley. He handled it with his usual suave Bahamian 'too cool for school attitude'!”

The 40-year-old Knowles and his wife Dawn, who reside near Dallas, were invited by Roddick to attend the sixth annual Andy Roddick Foundation Charity Gala featuring Sir Elton John. A full-time athlete and father, Knowles jumped at the chance to take part in Roddick’s charitable cause. “I am a six handicap and have not been able to play much golf since the birth of our third child Presley in March. However, I have been playing a lot more since the US Open,” revealed Knowles.

“It was very nice of Andy to invite us down for his event. He is an incredible person who does a lot for the sport of tennis but does even more with his charitable efforts and service for his respective communities. Dawn and I are privileged to be here and are enjoying ourselves immensely. We’re really looking forward to the rest of the festivities!”