The words 'perfect fluke' are routinely used to describe a hole-in-one. It's an expression that has stood the test of time with the number crunchers telling us that the odds of hitting one are 12 500-to-1. It could also help explain why, thanks to Snyman & Van der Vyver, someone becoming a member of The Golf Mag's Hole-In-One Club will receive R50 000 in cash when our six-month competition closes at the end of October.

However, try telling 71-year-old Bruce Edwards that his hole-in-one was a 'perfect fluke'. His description of the shot is that it was 'an almost perfect parabola'. It's a colourful way of saying, 'it looked like a hole-in-one from the moment he hit it'. That's our interpretation of course, but 26th August was a day of much celebration at St Francis Golf Club.

Standing on the tee of the par three 8th hole in this Wednesday club competition, Edwards had been enjoying a productive round. Playing off a 13 handicap he was six-over-par (one-over net) and coming off a par at the par-five 7th hole.

'The 8th hole is 100m and I took my Ping 8-iron. It was a beautiful day, with a very slight breeze, which is a blessing at St Francis Bay,' he recalled. 'I hit it with an almost perfect parabola. The ball pitched left front of the hole and tracked into the hole. What was special is that we all watched it roll into the hole. That was unlike my previous hole-in-one on the 13th in October 2008 at Irene CC. There, only my tallest partner, Frank Pretorius, confirmed with another partner Peter Carey that my 4-iron pitched into the hole itself!'

That was then, this was now, 18 years later. 'It was a very competitive day played in a special spirit. When I saw my ball go into the hole I fell on my back on the tee box. My playing partners wanted to hug me and get a picture taken as soon as possible.'

The ball that he hit and which ended in the hole was quickly put into safe-keeping. 'It's now in a photo frame in my study at home!'

Edwards completed the front nine in 40 shots (34 net), but understandably his mind drifted a bit on the back nine which he completed in 44 shots (39 net) for a competition points total of 34. 'I try never to miss a Wednesday or Saturday on the golf course,' he tells us. 'I am also lucky enough to play for the Eastern Province chapter of the Senior Golfers Union of SA.'

Afterwards the occasion was celebrated in traditional style – at the 19th hole. There the drinks flowed – and rightly so!

Welcome to The Golf Mag's Hole-In-One Club, Bruce.

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.

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.

SUPPLIED