Greenbrier owner Jim Justice gives fans cash....

In one of sports great promotions, Greenbrier's billionaire owner Jim Justice decided last year, if you’re sitting in the grandstand on the par 3 18th when someone makes a hole-in-one, you’re going to get paid.

The offer was a hit and Justice brought it back for this year’s event. Playing in the fifth group on Thursday George McNeill holed a pitching wedge from 137 yards, earning $100 apiece for each of the spectators in the grandstand.

Next Justin Thomas made an ace on the same hole and that shot paid out $500 to each fortunate spectator.

The promotion continues all weekend, and the next ace will pay $1,000 to every person in the grandstands. The total tab for McNeill’s ace was $18,900, plus $25,000 to the charity of McNeill’s choice, while Thomas’ hole-in-one meant $173,500 in cash and $50,000 to charity.

There were a few close calls on Friday, but none went in.

Bryan