Hole In One Insurance News from Hole In One International

Hole In One Insurance for Private Golf Events

If you’re hosting a private golf event—whether it’s a company outing, charity scramble, customer appreciation tournament, or even a small invite-only group—you may be wondering:

Can I get hole-in-one insurance for a private golf event?

The answer is yes. Hole-in-one insurance is available for private golf events of all sizes, and it’s one of the easiest ways to offer a high-value prize without taking on financial risk.

In this guide, we’ll explain exactly how hole-in-one insurance works for private golf outings, what it covers, what information you need, and how to get a quote quickly.


What Is Hole-in-One Insurance?

Hole-in-one insurance is a type of prize indemnity coverage that protects the event host if a golfer makes a hole-in-one and wins the prize you advertised.

Instead of paying out a large prize out-of-pocket (like $10,000, $25,000, or even a new car), the insurance policy covers the payout as long as the contest follows the rules listed in the policy.

This is why hole-in-one contests are so popular: you can offer a huge prize and only pay a fraction of the prize value to insure it.


Yes, Hole-in-One Insurance Is Available for Private Golf Events

Many people assume hole-in-one insurance is only for large charity tournaments or corporate events, but that’s not true.

Private hole-in-one insurance is available for:

  • Corporate golf outings
  • Private club member tournaments
  • Charity golf events
  • Customer or vendor appreciation events
  • Employee incentive golf days
  • Friend or family invitational tournaments
  • Private fundraising events
  • Scrambles, best-ball tournaments, and shotgun starts

Whether you have 20 players or 200 players, you can still run a legal, insured hole-in-one contest.


Why Private Golf Events Use Hole-in-One Insurance

Hole-in-one contests bring energy and excitement to an outing. They also make your event feel bigger and more memorable.

But the real reason private event organizers use hole-in-one insurance is simple:

It eliminates the risk of paying out a major prize unexpectedly.

For example, if you advertise:

  • $10,000 cash prize
  • $25,000 cash prize
  • $50,000 cash prize
  • New car hole-in-one giveaway
  • Luxury vacation package

And someone actually hits a hole-in-one, you’re on the hook unless you have coverage in place.

Hole-in-one insurance allows you to confidently offer big prizes and market your event without financial stress.


What Does Hole-in-One Insurance Cover for a Private Event?

Hole-in-one insurance typically covers the prize amount you advertise if a golfer makes a hole-in-one under insured contest conditions.

Coverage may include prizes such as:

  • Cash prizes
  • Cars and trucks
  • Motorcycles
  • Boats
  • Golf carts
  • Vacation packages
  • Jewelry prizes
  • Electronics
  • Any prize with a stated dollar value

The policy is written based on the prize value and contest rules.

Important: The contest must follow the requirements listed in your policy (distance, witness requirements, eligible participants, etc.) for a claim to be paid.


How Does Hole-in-One Insurance Work for Private Golf Events?

Hole-in-one insurance works like this:

  1. You choose the hole-in-one prize amount (example: $10,000 cash).
  2. You choose the hole where the contest will be held.
  3. You follow standard rules (like minimum yardage and witness verification).
  4. You purchase a hole-in-one insurance policy before the event starts.
  5. If a golfer makes a hole-in-one, you submit proof and documentation.
  6. The insurer pays the covered prize amount.

This allows private event hosts to offer high-dollar prizes with minimal financial exposure.


Is Hole-in-One Insurance Expensive?

Most event organizers are surprised by how affordable hole-in-one insurance is.

The cost depends on factors such as:

  • Prize amount
  • Number of participants
  • Hole yardage
  • Skill level of players
  • Number of attempts per golfer

In many cases, insuring a hole-in-one prize costs a small percentage of the total prize value.

For example, a $10,000 prize may cost far less than people expect, especially when proper contest rules are in place.


What Are the Standard Rules for Hole-in-One Insurance?

To qualify for hole-in-one insurance coverage, private golf events generally must follow certain rules. Exact requirements vary depending on the policy, but common guidelines include:

  • The hole must be a par 3
  • A minimum yardage requirement (often 150 yards or more for men, sometimes less for women)
  • Each golfer must take only one shot per attempt (unless the policy allows multiple shots)
  • The hole must be played under regulation golf rules
  • The shot must be witnessed by two independent witnesses (often a course pro and a neutral witness)
  • The contest must be properly documented

Some policies also require a certified witness stationed at the tee or green, especially for higher prize values.

Tip: Hole In One International can guide you through the exact rules needed to make sure your contest is valid and claim-ready.


Can I Insure a Hole-in-One Contest If My Event Is Invite-Only?

Yes. You can absolutely insure a hole-in-one contest even if your tournament is private or invite-only.

Insurance companies do not require the event to be open to the public. They simply require that:

  • The event is scheduled
  • The number of participants is declared
  • The contest rules are followed
  • The contest is conducted fairly

Whether your players are employees, customers, members, or personal guests, hole-in-one insurance can still apply.


Can I Get Hole-in-One Insurance for a Small Private Golf Outing?

Yes. Hole-in-one insurance is not limited to large tournaments.

Even if you’re hosting a smaller group outing, you can still insure a prize and run a legitimate hole-in-one challenge.

Small private golf events often use hole-in-one insurance because:

  • The prize is funded by a sponsor
  • The organizer wants a premium experience
  • A big prize creates excitement without needing a big tournament budget

If you want your event to stand out, adding a hole-in-one prize is one of the simplest upgrades you can make.


What Information Do I Need to Get Hole-in-One Insurance?

Getting a quote is quick and straightforward. Most private event organizers only need to provide:

  • Date of the golf event
  • Name of the golf course
  • Hole number for the contest
  • Yardage of the hole
  • Prize value (cash or item value)
  • Estimated number of participants
  • Contest format (scramble, best ball, etc.)
  • Whether golfers will get one attempt or multiple attempts

Once those details are provided, coverage can often be arranged quickly.


Can I Offer a Car as the Hole-in-One Prize at a Private Event?

Yes. A car is one of the most popular hole-in-one prizes, and it is commonly insured for private golf events.

Many private outings work with:

  • Local auto dealerships
  • Sponsors
  • Corporate partners

The dealership supplies the vehicle, and the event organizer insures the prize so nobody is left covering a major cost unexpectedly.

This is one of the best ways to create a “headline” attraction at your tournament.


How Far in Advance Do I Need to Buy Hole-in-One Insurance?

It’s always best to purchase hole-in-one insurance as early as possible. Most policies must be issued before the contest begins, and many require coverage to be finalized at least 24–48 hours before the event date.

If your event is coming up soon, it’s still possible to get insured quickly—but don’t wait until the last minute.


What Happens If Someone Makes a Hole-in-One?

If a golfer hits a hole-in-one during your insured contest, the process is typically simple:

  • Witnesses sign verification forms
  • The golf course confirms hole yardage and play conditions
  • Event organizers submit required documentation
  • The claim is reviewed
  • The prize payout is issued according to the policy

The key is having proper documentation and following the policy rules exactly.


Why Use Hole In One International for Private Event Coverage?

When you’re running a private golf outing, you don’t want confusing policy language or uncertainty about whether your contest is properly insured.

Hole In One International specializes in hole-in-one prize coverage and helps event organizers run contests that are both exciting and compliant.

Benefits of working with Hole In One International include:

  • Fast quoting process
  • Coverage options for cash prizes, cars, and high-value items
  • Support for private golf tournaments and corporate outings
  • Clear contest requirements and documentation guidance
  • Peace of mind knowing your prize is protected

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I get hole-in-one insurance for a private golf tournament?

Yes. Hole-in-one insurance is available for private tournaments, invite-only outings, corporate events, and charity tournaments. Coverage is based on prize value, hole yardage, and number of participants.

Do I need hole-in-one insurance if I have a sponsor?

Yes, in many cases. Even with a sponsor, someone is still financially responsible for the prize. Hole-in-one insurance ensures the payout is covered if a winner occurs.

Can I insure multiple holes at the same event?

Yes. Many events insure more than one hole-in-one contest, especially if they want to offer different prizes on different par 3 holes.

Can I offer a cash prize instead of a car?

Absolutely. Cash prizes are common, and hole-in-one insurance can cover cash payouts at any amount allowed under the policy terms.

Is hole-in-one insurance legitimate?

Yes. Hole-in-one insurance is a well-established form of prize indemnity coverage used for tournaments worldwide.


Final Answer: Yes, You Can Get Hole-in-One Insurance for a Private Golf Event

If you’re planning a private golf event and want to offer a major prize without taking on major risk, hole-in-one insurance is a smart and simple solution.

Whether you’re hosting a corporate outing, an invite-only tournament, or a private charity scramble, you can get hole-in-one coverage that protects your prize and gives your golfers something unforgettable to compete for.


Get a Hole-in-One Insurance Quote for Your Private Golf Event

Ready to add a high-impact prize to your event?

Hole In One International makes it easy to insure your hole-in-one contest, protect your budget, and deliver an exciting experience for every golfer attending.

Contact Hole In One International today to get a fast quote and secure hole-in-one insurance for your private golf event.

Montana Golfer Wins $10,000 in Putting Contest

Congratulations to Andrew O’Connor who won $10,000 in a putting contest sponsored by First Citizens Bank and paid for by Hole In One International. 

O’Connor won the cash prize in September of 2024 during the Butte Emergency Food Bank’s Turkey Tournament, a golf fundraiser that supports the food bank’s annual holiday turkey distribution program.

To win the big putt contest, which took place on the 9th green of the Highland View Golf Course, O’Connor needed to successfully hole both a 10-foot putt and an even more impressive 30-footer, which he easily did. But then O’Connor did the amazing – sinking an incredible 50-foot putt, winning the $10,000 cash prize. It was the first year for the putting contest as well as the first time O’Connor had ever made a big prize putt.”

Looking to add excitement and raise more money at your next golf event? For as little as $180, you can give golfers the chance to win cash and other big prizes! To learn more about sponsoring a giant-prize hole in one contest and to get a free quote, swing by our website, www.holeinoneinternational.com, or give us a call today at 800-827-2249.

NFL Hall of Famer Aces $225K MasterCraft X24

South Lake Tahoe, Nev.- Congratulations to former Raiders wide receiver Tim Brown, who won a MasterCraft X24, valued at $225,000, and paid for by Hole In One International, during the 35th Annual American Century Championship at Edgewood Tahoe Resort in Lake Tahoe. 

Brown, who has been playing in this extremely popular televised celebrity golf tournament for over 20 years, aced the 143-yard Hole 12 with a 9-iron. The prize-winning shot, which took place during the second round, was captured by The Golf Channel.  Brown’s shot not only electrified the crowd, but it also prompted a celebration at the tee box with his playing partners, Marcus Allen and Jerome Bettis. This was Brown’s fifth hole-in-one and his second one in 2024 (Brown hit a hole-in-one at Augusta National earlier in the year). 

Brown was not particularly happy with his shot then he realized the ball was headed towards the hole. “I thought it was going to be short. All of a sudden, you saw the people up there go nuts, and so it was sort of a delayed reaction for us because we couldn’t see the ball go in the hole,” explained Brown. “But it’s quite the moment. It’s one of those things you dream about,” he noted.

It was only later that Brown realized he had also won the boat. “I didn’t even know about the boat. I saw the boat there, and Marcus Allen said, ‘Man, you just won a boat!‘”  

The American Century Championship (ACC) is a made-for-TV event owned and broadcast by NBC Sports. The premier celebrity golf tournament, which also raises funds for local and national charities, distributes a purse of $600,000. The tournament is a 54-hole modified Stableford format that features some of sport’s and entertainment’s greatest celebrities.

During this year’s 36th ACC tournament celebrities will again get a chance to win $1 MM on Hole 17 courtesy of Korbelwhile MasterCraft will be giving players the chance to win a $300K boat on Hole 12. New for this year, GoRVing is sponsoring a hole-in-one challenge offering a luxurious Forest River Dynamax Isata 3 Class C motorhome (valued at $200,000) to any celebrity who achieves a hole-in-one on the fifth hole. 

Would you like to make your tournament attendees feel like celebrities? For as little as $180, you too can give golfers the chance to win big!  To learn more about sponsoring a giant prize hole in one contest and to get a free quote, give us a call today at 800-827-2249.

Why Non-Golfers Should Sponsor a Hole In One Contest

You don’t need to know a birdie from a bogey to make a golf tournament work for you.

Golf tournaments aren’t just for folks who yell “Fore!” on weekends. Sponsoring a golf tournament offers brand visibility, lead generation opportunities, and a chance to make real human connections — even if you’ve never swung a club in your life.

If you’re in marketing and looking for fresh, low-pressure ways to get your brand out there, here’s why sponsoring a hole at a golf tournament is a smart move — no tees required.

Your Brand Gets Seen — All Day Long

Golfers spend 4 to 6 hours roaming the course, often in small groups, and they stop at every hole. That’s prime real estate for your logo, message, or a clever one-liner. Unlike a banner ad that gets scrolled past in 3 seconds, your sign sits right there while golfers chat, wait, take pictures, and — yes — hit the ball.

You Don’t Have to Play to Make an Impact

This isn’t a trade show. You don’t need a booth, a sales pitch, or even to attend the tournament (though it helps if you do). Many tournaments let you send signage, branded swag, or offer golfers the chance to win $1,000,000 — that someone else runs for you.

You’re Where Decisions Get Made

Golf tournaments attract community leaders, execs, business owners, and budget-holders. The environment is casual, but the players? Influential.

Sponsoring a hole gets your brand in front of these people when they’re relaxed, not being pitched, and likely to remember something clever, generous, or refreshing — like the chance to win a new car or a year of free steaks.

It’s a Lead Gen Opportunity in Disguise

Hole sponsors can do a lot more than stick a sign in the grass. Some add QR codes for giveaways. Others hand out custom items (koozies, towels, sunscreen). Smart ones collect emails in exchange for prizes or run a contest right at the hole. Hole In One International offers complimentary tee prizes that can be given to every tournament participant with your compliments.

It’s soft-touch, non-intrusive, and builds goodwill — while filling your CRM with warm leads.

It Shows You’re Active in the Community

Even if you never set foot on the course, people will associate your brand with local causes, charities, or business groups that run the event. That’s reputation fuel, especially for B2B brands that want to show they’re not just another vendor.

Plus, it’s affordable. Hole sponsorships start from $180 — far less than your average online ad campaign, and way more memorable.

TL;DR: Sponsoring a Hole is Smart, Even if You Hate Golf

You’re not paying to play. You’re paying to be seen, be remembered, and be part of something that brings real people together.

It’s low-cost, low-lift, and high-return — no clubs, polos, or awkward small talk required.

To learn more or to get quote, give us a call at 800-827-2249.

What is Hole In One Insurance Underwriting?

If you’ve looked into hole-in-one insurance, you’ve probably seen terms like underwriter, underwritten, or underwriting. But what do they actually mean?

Today, we’re breaking down what underwriting is and why it matters for you—whether you’re purchasing hole-in-one insurance, Million Dollar Shootout coverage, or a putting contest policy.

What is Underwriting?

Underwriting is the process insurance companies use to assess a customer’s eligibility for coverage. Simply put, it helps determine:

  • Whether a customer qualifies for insurance.
  • How much coverage they can receive,
  • The cost of their policy.

Insurance underwriters evaluate risk and set premiums accordingly. This ensures that claims can be paid out when needed.

At Hole In One International we specialize in prize indemnity insurance—a unique form of underwriting specifically for high-value prize contests.

Why Underwriting Matters

When choosing an insurance provider, it’s crucial to ensure they are underwritten. Otherwise, you risk a scenario where a prize winner doesn’t get paid—even if you’ve paid for coverage. Unfortunately, we’ve seen this happen to winners in tournaments insured by companies that were not underwritten.

How to Check if an Insurance Company is Underwritten

Not sure if the company you’re working with is underwritten? Here’s how to find out:

  • Call and ask – This is the quickest way to confirm.
  • Check their website – Most companies list their underwriting details online. For example, we display ours in our FAQ and at the top of our homepage.

Taking this simple step can ensure peace of mind, knowing that any winners in your event will receive their rightful prize. Have more questions about underwriting?  Feel free to give us a call at 800-827-2249 or send us an email!



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