Golf tournament operators have been left in the hole by an insurance outfit that promised to insure them against the cost of paying awards for a hole-in-one, the Washington State Insurance Department said.
An announcement from Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler warned planners of golf tournaments in the state not to buy hole-in-one insurance from Golf Marketing.
According to the department, Golf Marketing is not licensed to sell insurance in Washington and "has a track record of not paying the prize money when someone hits a hole-in-one during tournament play."
The department said Commissioner Kreidler as a result had recently fined the company $125,000 and ordered it to stop doing business in Washington.
"Golf Marketing has scammed people across the country, and it's really a double hit for the victims," said Commissioner Kreidler. "First they pay for the insurance, then they turn around and also have to pay out the prize money when Golf Marketing skips out on its commitment."
Golf Marketing, according to the department, is operated by Kevin Kolenda and Tim Kirchhof, and operates under several names: Golf Marketing Worldwide, LLC; Golf Marketing Incorporated; Hole-in-Won.com; Hole-in-Won.com Worldwide; and Golf Marketing, LLC.
Hole-in-one insurance is a policy that pays the prize money when someone hits a hole-in-one during a tournament. Before buying a policy, Mr. Kreidler recommended a check with his office to see if the seller is legitimate.
Hole-In-Won.com says on its Web site that it is the "first and foremost preeminent hole-in-one provider," has been operating for 25 years and will give "any person company or organization $100 no questions asked."
Mr. Kirchof referred questions to Mr. Kolenda, whom he said is the president of the operation. An e-mail to Mr. Kolenda seeking comment drew no immediate response.
This article updated Aug. 20, 3:52 p.m.
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