TGM HOLE-IN-ONE CLUB
STRIKE
THREE!
The Golf Mag has launched a Hole-In-One club where members who achieve the 'perfect fluke' over the next five months stand a chance to win R50 000 in cash – as well as having their achievement celebrated
Once might be considered the perfect fluke, twice a happy co-incidence, but three is simply sensational. That's the story of Reading Country Club golfer Billy Donnelly. The 65-year-old has defied the odds, said to be 1 in 12 500, on three occasions at the Alberton club and his most recent saw him become a member of The Golf Mag's Hole-In-One club.
He has put himself in line to win R50 000 as a cash prize in a lucky draw after the six-month competition finishes at the end of October. In order to get one's name into the draw, a golfer needs to get the 'perfect fluke' between May and the end of October. New members need to pay a once-off R350 sign-up fee when a hole-in-one is recorded and stand a chance to scoop the prize sponsored by Snyman & Van der Vyver.
Donnelly became a member of The Golf Mag Hole-In-One club by virtue of his ace on the 15th hole at Reading Country Club on 20th May in a regular Wednesday competition day. Remarkably, he has now scored a hole-in-one on three of the club's four par threes, and has set his sights on completing the set, the only 'untamed' short hole for him being the 7th hole, a 157m stroke 14.
The 65-year-old struck his two previous aces in 2018 and 2022, which means that he seems to hit the jackpot once every four years. 'It's crazy that on 14th May 2026 I received a four-year memory on Facebook showing my HIO on 14th May 2022. I jokingly put a comment on my Facebook page saying it's time I had another one. Well, on 20th May, two games later I did!'
'As far as we know one other person has had 3 holes-in-one on three different holes at Reading – also on the same holes I have had. I just need to get hole No7 now! Previously, my HIOs were 1st Sept 2018 at the 11th hole, 180m off the white tees; on the 14th May 2022 at the 6th hole, 165m off the white tees; and now 20th May at the 15th hole, 113m off the blue tees.'
Donnelly used a Callaway RAZR 9-iron to get his latest ace and used a Srixon AD 333 ball. 'I frame the balls with the bar tab, scorecard, photos, and HOI club certificate,' he says of the keepsake.
In describing his latest perfect fluke, Donnelly said: 'As I hit the ball, I thought "that is close". It went very high and straight, landed just short of the hole – you can see in the photo where it pitched – and rolled in. My partners screamed, “it's in!” At first, I didn't want to get too excited as I thought it may have just gone past and was hidden behind the flagpole. Then, I moved to the side of the teebox and couldn't see the ball, it's then that I knew it was in!'
How to Become a member
To qualify for The Golf Mag Hole-In-One Club membership
- Score a hole-in-one
- Notify us and fill in the sign up form
- Pay your R350 joining fee and receive a certificate of membership, 3 HIO logo balls, divot tool & marker with logo, and your name in The Golf Mag and Dale Hayes' Golf Chat
CLICK TO JOIN
THE GOLF MAG HIO CLUB CONDITIONS
✔ Only amateurs are eligible to qualify for
the cash prize
✔ Minimum distance of hole: 50m or longer
✔ Signed scorecard with minimum of
three players
✔ Letter from the golf club confirming and
verifying that the hole-in-one was
witnessed by three players or more and
achieved during a club competition.
✔ Certificate from club signed by
management.
THE GOLF MAG HIO CLUB CONDITIONS
✔ Only amateurs are eligible
to qualify for the cash prize
✔ Minimum distance of hole:
50m or longer
✔ Signed scorecard with
minimum of three players
✔ Letter from the golf club
confirming and verifying
that the hole-in-one was
witnessed by three players
or more and achieved
during a club competition.
✔ Certificate from club signed
by management.
Celebrate the ace with hole-in-one insurance
What is Hole-In-One insurance?
It allows clubs, sponsors, and event organisers to offer headline‑grabbing prizes
— cash, cars, holidays or premium gear — without taking on the financial risk. If a player makes an ace, the insurer pays the prize.
Who's it for?
Golf clubs hosting opens and competitions. Corporates sponsoring golf days. Hole sponsors on par threes. Charity, school or fundraising golf events. If there's a prize on a par three, this product fits.
Why use it?
Because magic moments do happen and the hole you sponsor could be aced! HIO insurance lets you market boldly, boost entries, attract clients and create real excitement — without the budget‑blowing consequences of a perfect swing.
What can you insure?
Almost anything: Cash prizes. Cars or motorcycles. Luxury holidays. High‑end golf equipment. Prize values are flexible and tailored to the event.
What sets this solution apart?
This Hole‑in‑One product is designed specifically for South African golf: professionally structured, fully compliant, flexible in design, and backed by a leading insurer, Santam. Built by people who understand how golf days actually work.
How do you get cover?
Confirm the event date, course and par‑three hole. Decide on the prize and its value. Get a tailored quote – premiums start from as little as R1 500 for a R50 000 Hole‑in‑One prize, with cover available up to R500 000.
How to get more info?
Simply visit the SVDV website by clicking on the links below to get all the details and complete a proposal form. (While you're there, feel free to explore our other specialist short terms insurance services)
PRIZE SPONSORED BY snyman & Van der vyver
Snyman & Van der Vyver has long been associated with the business of protecting exceptional moments – and when The Golf Mag introduced the Hole‑in‑One Club, the fit was immediate and unmistakable.
We didn't see this as just a sponsorship,' explains Len Faul of Snyman & Van der Vyver. 'We saw it as an opportunity to support something that genuinely celebrates a golfing achievement — while showcasing a product designed specifically for moments like these. 'A Hole‑in‑One Club and Hole‑in‑One insurance are two sides of the same coin,” says Faul. 'One rewards the achievement. The other makes it possible to reward it properly.'
According to the stats, the chances of the amateur golfer getting a hole-in-one is 1 in 12 500. The odds on a professional doing the same is 2 500 to 1. However, the reality is that when you tee it up on a 'short' hole, you have a chance.
They call it the perfect fluke, but that's because it doesn't discriminate. Your ball ending up in the hole is the only thing that counts, whether by fluke or just a brilliant shot.
WHAT LEN FAUL SAYS
Why did this opportunity resonate with you?
Because it's authentic. A Hole‑in‑One isn't luck alone – it's skill, precision and composure. That mirrors what good risk planning is about. We're delighted to support an initiative that honours real achievement rather than chance.
Why was SVDV willing to sponsor a R50 000 cash prize?
Because our Hole‑in‑One insurance product exists for exactly this purpose. It enables meaningful prizes without risk. When The Golf Mag approached us, it felt natural for us to back it properly.
For readers unfamiliar with Hole‑in‑One insurance, how does it work in practice?
It's very straightforward: A specific par three hole is insured on a formal golf day. The tee position and distance are agreed in advance. Play follows the R&A Rules of Golf. Independent witnesses are required. If a hole‑in‑one is made, the insurer pays the prize. For the golfer, nothing changes. The excitement stays exactly where it should be — on the tee.
Why is this concept such a good fit for golf days and competitions?
Because it elevates the experience. A hole‑in‑one prize creates anticipation, attracts participation and becomes the highlight of the day — without burdening organisers with financial risk. That's why this works so well.
TYRONE WINFIELD/DEON VAN DER MERWE/SUNSHINE TOUR/TRISTAN JONES/MARK RUNNACLES/LET/ROBERT PERRY/EPA/BACKPAGEPIX/GOLFRSA
