Former Professional Golfer’s Past Comes to Haunt as She Is Denied a $90,000 Mercedes; Resulting in a Lawsuit Drama

Charities, prize money, and added benefits form an integral part of many tournaments in the golf world. While most of the time, it is the big events that promote similar concepts, back in May 2023, the idea was promoted by the Fins on the Fairway. Alas! Things did not go as planned, as controversy brewed by the end of the event.

Many big names, like ACE Hole In One, Mercedes-Benz of South Orlando, and others, were associated with charity events in Florida earlier this year. This allowed the campaign to offer colossal bonuses, given that certain prerequisites were met. One such bonus was a brand new Mercedes, which was to be given to someone who shot an ace on the course. And that’s exactly what one former professional golfer did! However, instead of a shiny new Benz, she found herself in the middle of a $90,000 lawsuit!

Things go haywire as a former golf pro files a lawsuit against charity golf event hosts

The charity event at the Isleworth Golf & Country Club to raise funds for Nova Southeastern University Orlando witnessed Linda Chen, a former golf professional, shoot an ace at the 11th hole of the course. While under normal circumstances, as per the rules and rewards of the tournament, she was owed a flashy Mercedes, things took a turn for the worse—the golfer was denied the prize!

The decision to reject her winning claim came based on the fact that only an amateur could be given the stated prize, while Chen had already played as a professional player, per Fox News. While the event organizers hold on to their stance of not allowing Linda Chen to win the car under the stated circumstances, the golfer, in return, has filed a $90,000 lawsuit against the tournament hosts.

Chen’s lawsuit claims stand against multiple companies involved in the tournament for contract breaches and false advertising. Her lawyers explained that, as per the ex-golf pro, she had covered all her bases and completed all the formalities. From signing a contract to following the prize rules, she had not breached any commitment from her end that could have seen her win denied. Why, then, was it?

Well, the defendants have come into argument, saying the golfer withheld specific information regarding her career. Her professional journey was not mentioned at the time of her registration, according to the sources. The president of Ace Hole In One even reiterated that the golf star had signed an affidavit affirming that she has never been a professional golfer.

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Quoting her LinkedIn profile, the organizer, Timothy Galvin, stated how she makes no mention of being a current amateur on her work-related social media site. With so many staggering lines of reasoning given by both parties, the question remains: which side is right? Well, Chen certainly thinks it’s her; after all, the former pro golfer claims that she was backed into a corner with legal action as her only way out.

What served as Chen’s tipping point in her decision to sue the hosts?

In her complaint against the event hosts, Linda Chen argued that she had only competed in the professional arena from 1994 to 1996. Since then, she has officially registered again as an amateur with the Golf Association of the United States. In reference to this and the judicial proceedings, Chen is now seeking either the car promised (a Mercedes-Benz E Class) or the value of the car in cash, i.e., $90,000.

According to the organizers, the matter would not have stretched so much if only the golfer had informed them of the details prior. However, Chen held her position and explained how Galvin had absolutely refused to acknowledge the achievement on the 11th, leaving her with no choice but to take the legal route.

The golf lover had even sent in her proof of claim for the prize. However, the attorney from Galvin’s side replied with a dismissive denial of the prize claim, per an email dated June 14, 2023. Galvin even revealed to Fox News that he had, in no way, been dismissive of the player and had only clarified his eligibility.

The case remains an open matter until the final verdict is out. What do you think of the issue that has transpired on the greens? Let us know your opinions in the comments.

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