US punter wins $10k from new golf app

Credit: Golf Digest

A scratch golfer from the USA recently won $10k – simply by placing a $10 bet on himself at his local golf course.

Through using an app called Eagle Watch Golf, which hands out money based on how close you get the ball to the pin on a par-3, plumber Justin Blaze made a hole-in-one which earned him the maximum jackpot.

How it works

Eagle Watch Golf is an everyday par-3 skills challenge currently played on 30 golf courses in five states in the South-East of the US that awards golfers cash prizes for hitting one of four winning shots.

Two types of bet can be placed: $5 and $10.

For a $10 bet, the returns are as follows:

• Hit the green: $3/$6
• Within the length of the flagstick: $35/$140
• Within two feet: $75/$250

If the golfer makes a hole-in-one they win all or part of the weekly jackpot or weekly prize, which is up to $10,000 from a $10 bet, depending on how many players have made a hole-in-one that week.

The $10 jackpot starts at $5,000 and increases each week that a hole-in-one is not made. Entrants at the $10 level who make a hole-in-one during the week split the $5,000 jackpot.

If no hole-in-one is made during the week the $5,000 jackpot is increased by 5% each subsequent week until a hole-in-one is made.

Can you cheat?

No. Eagle Watch Golf has two cameras installed at each of its courses – one at the green and one at the tee – to verify all winning shots.

If you hit a good one, you simply wave at the camera and then log-on to your account after the round to claim the prize.

Is it coming to the UK?

Not any time soon, anyway. Founder Clint McKinley does have plans to expand the business to more courses in the USA first, and must abide with each individual state’s gaming law.

“Generally speaking, what we’ve created has two very important components,” McKinley told Golf Digest. “It’s a low risk proposition because you can only play once a day and bet a maximum of $10.

“It’s fun a way to generate a little more revenue” – Clint McKinley

“Secondly, it has everything to do with your skill, not the skill of someone else or some other team.

“It’s not the silver bullet for golf industry, but it’s fun a way to generate a little more revenue, build customer loyalty, and attract more play.”

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Would you like Eagle Watch Golf in the UK?

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