$10 million jackpot raises the stakes at Icons Cup South Africa

GOLF NEWS - Some of the biggest names in international sport will take on one of golf's most extraordinary challenges when the $10 million Swing returns to South Africa in December.

Cricket legends Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers and Brian Lara, former England football captain John Terry and a host of other sporting icons will each have one opportunity to claim a life-changing jackpot during the event at Fancourt in George.

The $10 million Swing, described as the richest hole in golf, takes place on Wednesday, 9 December, at 17:30 on the 17th hole of the Montagu Course at Fancourt.

It will serve as a curtain-raiser to the Icons Cup South Africa, which runs from 11 to 13 December.

The challenge will see players attempt a hole-in-one over a water hazard from more than 165 yards. A successful shot will trigger a $10 million jackpot, making it one of the biggest prizes ever offered for a single shot in golf.

The South African team will be captained by golfing great Ernie Els and includes Kallis, De Villiers, Herschelle Gibbs, Schalk Burger, Schalk Brits, Victor Matfield, Fourie du Preez, Shaun Pollock, Vernon Philander, Chris Morris, Akona Ndungane, Butch James, Jimmy Tau and Roland Schoeman.

The World team, captained by José María Olazábal, includes West Indian cricket legend Brian Lara, former Australian tennis world number one Ash Barty, English cricket great Sir James Anderson, rugby legends Christian Cullen and George Gregan, Indian cricket star Yuvraj Singh, Terry and former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke. Further names are expected to be announced.

A selection of wildcard participants, including digital creators, celebrity guests, Fancourt representatives and a promising young golfer from George, will also get an opportunity to take on the challenge.

Fans also stand a chance to win

The event will offer spectators and golf fans around the world an opportunity to share in the excitement.

Through a free online voting competition, fans can select the player they believe will achieve a hole-in-one.

Should their chosen player succeed, the $10 million jackpot will be divided into three equal portions: one for the player, one for the event's official charity partners and one for a randomly selected fan who voted for that player.

Spectators attending the event at Fancourt will also have the opportunity to win a R100 000 crowd prize by backing the nearest-the-pin contenders.

"The $10M Swing is designed to be an absolute show-stopper. A moment of pure sporting jeopardy, global scale and electric tension," said Thomas Brookes, CEO and founder of the Icons Series.

The challenge will be broadcast live on YouTube and distributed through international sports broadcasting partners.

$10m Swing Hole. Photos: Supplied

Event details

Date: Wednesday, 9 December
Time: 17:30 (SAST)
Venue: 17th hole, Montagu Course, Fancourt, George
Challenge: A single shot from more than 165 yards, with a hole-in-one triggering the $10 million jackpot
Spectator prize: R100,000