"I hope they make a beaucoup of hole in ones"

First, there was the news of experimenting with a common-sense cell phone policy and now this great Greenbrier Classic idea, which surely couldn't have originated in Ponte Vedra. I just wonder how it got past all of the VP's and legal minds. It makes way too much sense!

Any ace at the par-3 18th hole is worth $1 million -- with $250,000 going to the lucky pro and $750,000 to the tournament's charities. But there's more. Every fan sitting in the stands around the unique finishing hole receives $100.

Should there be a second or third ace on the 162-yard par 3 that day, each would result in the same $1 million payout and distribution. But the fans will receive $500 and $1,000, respectively, for the second and third hole-in-one.

The promotion starts over each day so there is a potential maximum payout of $12 million for the actual aces and about half that much for the fans.

"I hope that will generate some real live excitement," said Jim Justice, who owns the Greenbrier. "There will be a lot of cheering going on for the pros and everything, and I hope they make a beaucoup of hole in ones, and I hope we have a lot of fun with it."

Comments

[bigboid]

If I'm a paying customer, I know where I'm camping out to watch the tournament! But how will they afford those payouts? Sponsor money, or does Justice just have that much money burning a hole in his pocket? Maybe it'll come from all the gambling being done on site, like a jackpot in slots.

[dsl]

Pretty awesome idea. You're right Geoff, there's no way this makes it into and out of a boardroom. Someone's gone rogue on the tour!

bigboid - I'm guessing they have that 'hole in one' insurance that small tournaments can get. I'd imagine this one would have a pretty hefty premium though.

[OWGR Fan]

Interesting way to boost attendance for an event that is in the middle of nowhere and a bit of a chore to get to.
Hopefully it pays off for the people that go.

That said I wonder what nameless faceless PGA Tour VP in Ponte Vedra will try to stop this and under what guise.

[The Q]

How logistically is this done?

Do they hand out a scrip to everyone leaving the stands after a hole in one to be redeemed later? or do they pass it out to everyone while they are still sitting? or do they hand out scrip as each one enters the stands, only for them to hand it back when tthey leave if there are no holes in one? or after the hole is aced to they block off the stands and pass out Benjamins to everyone there?

Any thoughts?

[TXQ]

That was the beaucoup de gras of comments.

[reality]

USGA reports that all those in attendance who win $1000 or more forfeit their amateur status! Can't wait.

[jjshaka]

Can't wait to see where the pins are on 18.
I'm guessing there won't be any "funneling" locations.
Still a great idea- must have been "take your kid to work " day at Ponte Vedra.

[X]

DOn't know why the schleps are poo pooin this. It's an ok idea that will make things exciting for those in attendance and might sell more tickets. Hole in one isurence is a definate and just how many aces are there week in and week out. 36 aces last year total last year on 16 courses...give or take.

Doesn't seem like the odds are gainst the golf hole but the golfer.

Must be a slow golf news week.

[chene]

There was a tournament I was watching a few years back - some 3rd tier event, maybe San Antonio - where there was a short par 3 and the course reporter (Billy Ray Brown?) said that he thought there would be a hole in one due to the length and pin position.

Lo and behold, last group shows up, the booth reminds him about that prediction, and, hole in one.

[sg]

"a beaucoup of hole in ones"

I'm noFrench major, but I don't think that's proper grammar

[Scott]

@bigbold: Jim Justice sold a coal company for $400 million last year.

[Bob in San Jose]

I hope the people running Fry's.com open in San Jose pick up this idea and run with it.

[Wisconsin Reader]

What if I am watching on television? . . . The potential viewing audience (except for Furyk groupies) is pretty small . . . How about something for anyone who agrees to actually watch all 4 days? (Free round at the Greenbriar during off season?) . . . Wait a second, Who is going to be in the "Tower" for the Golf Channel - I might reconsider.