Hole-in-one insurance

GOLFER MUST BUY DRINKS It is an unforeseen event that causes an expense to the client – Marius Neethling.

companies offer, statistics show the chance of getting a hole-in-one is 12 500 to 1.

“One can thus state that it is an unforeseen event that causes an expense to the client, although the client has done nothing wrong,” he says.

Santam processed only 189 such claims in 2016 and 274 in 2017 (by late December). Discovery Insure didn’t divulge specific numbers.

For Santam, hole-in-one cover is sold as part of home insurance cover and clients automatically qualify for it.

At Discovery Insure, the benefit is offered as part of its personal liability cover, Precious Nduli says.

“The benefit covers the client if they score a hole-in-one as an amateur player in accordance with the rules of any recognised golf club in South Africa. Personal liability is available on all plans and the client does not necessarily have to have home contents insurance.”

Nduli says golf club rules require that the person who scores a hole-in-one buys a round of drinks for members of the club, which can come as an unexpected cost that can set a client back financially, depending on the number of people or size of the club.

Discovery Insure pays a fixed amount based on the chosen plan.

Santam pays a single amount of R2 000, regardless of the size of the liquor bill.

To qualify for the payment, the hole-inone must be made while playing as an amateur golfer, Neethling says, adding that “it must be while playing on a registered golf course under the recognised rules of the game.”

The secretary of the golf club where the shot was played must also confirm it in writing.