TGM HOLE-IN-ONE CLUB
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The Golf Mag has launched a Hole-In-One club where members who achieve the 'perfect fluke' over the next four months stand a chance to win R50 000 in cash
There must be something in the early winter air that brings out the best in Jonny Reddy. Almost four years to the day, Johnny Reddy scored the second hole-in-one of his life and allowed him to join The Golf Mag's Hole-In-One Club – and give himself an automatic chance at a huge cash jackpot.
Reddy's first ace came on 9 June 2002 on the 8th hole at State Mines CC, and on 19th May 2026 he celebrated a second ace, this time at Ebotse Golf & Country Estate, where he is a member.
He takes up the story. 'We have a Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday morning school at Ebotse. It was a chilly but clear morning when we teed off.'
He didn't have long to wait for his big moment – the second hole is a par three.
'On the day, the distance was 166 metres from the blue tees with wind slightly against us. I used my TaylorMade RBZ 9-wood and a Callaway Chrome Soft golf ball.
'I struck the shot so well, nice and high with good distance and I joked to my playing partners on the tee box, "be good… get in the hole." We couldn't clearly see from the tee-box, but my partners reckoned it was very close. The flag was centre right, and the green slopes from left to right.
'When we arrived on the green, I couldn't see my ball, so I assumed it must have rolled into the right bunker which was pin high. After looking in the bunker, one of the partners suggested I look in the hole and, to our amazement, my Callaway Chrome Soft was in!
'There was a sudden rush of excitement and jubilation. I quickly went to the golf cart to get my phone to capture the priceless achievement with the players. It was a very special HIO celebration with my fellow teammates.'
The day was to get even better, if that was at all possible.
'Thereafter I played very well – despite my hands trembling – and scored my best 9-hole gross score of 38. That was my best day as a player because I achieved a hole-in-one, best gross IPS Score 38 with a record 28 IPS Points, and considering I also have a medical condition with some restricted arm movement.
'And yes, I did the honourable thing and bought a round of drinks for everyone!'
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.
CARL FOURIE | SUNSHINE LADIES TOUR | SUPPLIED
