Ohio man sues golf course for non-payment of $10,000 for a hole-in-one

NEWARK, Ohio — Virtues Golf Club issued a challenge last spring, and Luke Sutton accepted it.

The Coshocton, Ohio, man now is waiting for his reward. The club offered a $10,000 promotional prize for anyone who hit a hole-in-one. Sutton recorded an ace on hole No. 14 last May.

Sutton filed a suit against Four Virtues Inc., the operator of the club, on Tuesday in Licking County Common Pleas Court, alleging the club is not making good on the agreement.

“Defendant Virtues has knowledge of the hole in one and used the event and the Plaintiff Sutton’s likeness to advertise the golf course and the continued promotion of $10,000 for a hole in one,” the suit reads.

Hung Chow, general manager of Virtues Golf Club, said he was under the impression Sutton was being paid. He had considered the matter resolved.

“I spoke with the operator of Ace Oasis, and I was told the thing was taken care of already,” Chow said. “I will be honest, your phone call is catching me a little by surprise as well. Last time I spoke to Ace Oasis, the promotional company, they said they had paid Mr. Sutton $10,000. That was last Saturday.”

Later in May, Sutton celebrated his achievement, receiving a giant replica $10,000 check from club personnel. The event was covered by WHIZ-TV in Zanesville.

Sutton, however, still waits for the real check five months later. He also is seeking reimbursement for court costs and additional damages in the suit.

“To date, despite numerous promises, Defendant Virtues has failed to pay Luke Sutton the $10,000. The said money was due and payable on May 14, 2022,” the suit continues.

“There is an insurance company behind this due to the payouts,” Chow said. “The insurance company has a policy against payouts to anybody with professional status. There happened to be another golf professional by the name of Luke Sutton. That is why the insurance company is balking — this is what I know.”