HOLYOKE — Many people play golf their whole lives and never experience the miracle of hitting a hole-in-one.

For Claudio Guerra, it took two months.

The Northampton restaurateur, owner of Spoleto, recently cut back on his other work commitments, which allowed him time, at 63, to take up golf.

He and his sons, Luca and Dante, have been learning together. When they’re not hitting balls at Scotti’s driving range in Leeds, they’ve been playing at Holyoke Country Club.

On Friday, he stepped up to the tee at the 121-yard eighth hole, lofted an 8-iron toward the green, and the three of them watched it roll into the cup.

Guerra said he has taken a few lessons.

“My instructor said I’m not ready for the golf course,” he said with a laugh. “I guess I showed him!”

— James Pentland