The Cromwell vineyard chief and club member hit the ball to within 5m of the hole and the jackpot, but was still delighted with the shot despite missing out on the prize.
"I thought it was a wonderful event and for a good charity. It's a pity no-one got a hole-in-one."
Mr James was one of 50 qualifiers who tested their skills at the informal competition, which was designed to launch the resort's new $200,000 driving range.
The "drive for cash" also raised almost $1000 for the Wakatipu Trails Trust from golfers parting with $1 to have their hit.
Millbrook golf director Brian Spicer said the $100,000 would stay with the insurance company, but thought the day was superb.
"Good to get the unique building open and a lot of people saw it, which was the main thing."
The driving range is housed in a restored shearing shed relocated from Mt Soho Station.
The range features a coaching clinic classroom for a new golf academy that features teaching equipment, such as a Vector Launch Monitor, video analysis equipment, automated ball dispenser and infrared heaters.
Over the past 15 years, 11 holes-in-one have been recorded on the par-3 13th hole.
