What would happen if someone actually sank that impossible hole-in-one at your next golf tournament?
Would it be a headline-making success—or a legal and financial disaster?
If you’re organizing a golf event in Georgia and offering a big-ticket prize for an ace, you need to be 100% sure you’re protected from the financial blow that could follow. Too often, event hosts assume they’re covered only to find out, too late, that their hole-in-one insurance doesn’t hold up under scrutiny.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how hole-in-one insurance works, what it costs, the key Georgia-specific requirements you must meet, and the most common mistakes that void claims. We’ll also walk through what a comprehensive coverage plan looks like—so your next tournament ends with a trophy, not a lawsuit.
What Is Hole-in-One Insurance and How Does It Work?
Hole-in-one insurance lets you offer a jaw-dropping prize without putting your own funds at risk.
This type of prize indemnity insurance protects event organizers by shifting the financial risk of awarding a large prize—like a car, vacation, or $50,000 cash—onto an insurance company. If a participant makes a legitimate hole-in-one during the insured contest, the insurer pays out, not you.
Companies like American Hole ‘n One in Buford, Georgia specialize in this type of policy. Their coverage allows you to market a prize that can dramatically boost event attendance and sponsorship interest, all for a relatively low premium .
What Does Hole-in-One Insurance Cost?
Surprisingly affordable, especially considering the marketing power of a headline-worthy prize.
The premium depends on three main factors:
- Prize Value – Bigger prizes mean higher premiums.
- Number of Participants – More golfers increase the odds and the price.
- Hole Yardage – Longer holes are harder to ace, which lowers the risk (and the cost).
Most policies require a minimum yardage—typically 150 yards for men and 135 for women—to ensure difficulty.
Here’s what you can expect to pay for a 165-yard hole, based on pricing from Hole In One International:
| Prize | 72 Players | 100 Players | 144 Players |
|---|---|---|---|
| $10,000 Cash | $193 | $248 | $336 |
| $25,000 Cash | $407 | $546 | $765 |
| $50,000 Vehicle | $765 | $1,043 | $1,480 |
| $60,000 Truck | $908 | $1,241 | $1,766 |
These figures typically include signage and bonus prizes for other par-3 holes.
Georgia’s Legal and Insurance Landscape: What You Must Know
In Georgia, it’s not just about getting hole-in-one coverage—it’s about getting the whole event insured.
Before even considering a contest, organizers need General Liability Insurance to cover injuries or damages. Requirements vary depending on your venue:
- Athens-Clarke County: $2 million aggregate limit
- University of Georgia Golf Course: $1 million general + $2 million umbrella policy
If you’re serving alcohol, Liquor Liability Insurance is a must. Georgia law imposes strict liability on hosts for alcohol-related incidents, and general policies often exclude this risk .
Georgia-Specific Contest Rules and Insurance Must-Haves
Even a perfect shot won’t count if your policy rules aren’t followed to the letter.
Insurance providers operating in Georgia expect compliance with several key contest standards:
- The contest must occur on a regulation par-3 hole
- Minimum yardage must be strictly met
- Participant count must match the policy declaration
The Georgia State Golf Association (GSGA) offers useful resources and often partners with insurers to ensure events meet best practices .
The Fine Print: How Claims Get Denied
It’s not enough to have insurance—claims often fail due to overlooked policy details.
The #1 reason for denial? Improper witness setup. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Prize Value | Witness Requirements |
|---|---|
| $2,000–$59,999 | One neutral adult at the green |
| $60,000–$99,999 | Two adults—one at the tee box, one at the green |
| $100,000+ | Two expert witnesses (including a PGA pro or police officer) plus full video proof |
Other red flags that void coverage:
- Incorrect Yardage: If your policy says 170 yards, don’t play the hole at 169. It won’t count.
- Extra Participants: More shooters than listed = invalid policy.
- Mulligans/Practice Shots: The ace must be the first official shot.
- Temporary Tees or Greens: These invalidate coverage instantly.
A Calculated Risk That Pays Off
At the end of the day, offering a hole-in-one prize is one of the most exciting ways to elevate your tournament, and it doesn’t have to be risky. With the right insurance and meticulous attention to the fine print, you can turn a potential liability into your event’s biggest draw.
You’ve now learned how to cover your bases: understand the pricing, meet witness and yardage rules, and ensure your overall event insurance is solid. The next time a golfer hits that once-in-a-lifetime shot, you’ll be ready to celebrate, not panic.
If you’re planning a tournament in Georgia, your next step is to speak with an experienced insurance advisor. They’ll help you structure your policy correctly and avoid the traps that have cost others dearly.
