Tony Finau Lawsuit Dismissed; Another Case Set for October Trial

In recent legal developments, professional golfer Tony Finau faced two separate lawsuits, but one of them has now been dismissed by the Utah Court of Appeals. The court affirmed the dismissal last Thursday, ruling that the statute of limitations for a breach-of-contract claim had run out.

Finau, who is currently the defending champion at the Mexico Open at Vidanta, was sued in 2021 along with his brother Gipper and father Kelepi by David Hunter. Hunter claimed that he was owed money after investing in the Finau Corporation, which was established in 2007 and eventually dissolved in 2009.

Tony Finau, a highly accomplished golfer with six victories on the PGA Tour and over $38 million in on-course winnings, secured his first win in 2015. The dismissal of the lawsuit against him was based on the statute of limitations, as determined by a judge in Provo, Utah’s 4th District Court.

As for the other lawsuit filed against Finau by Molonai Hola, it will proceed to trial. The trial has been scheduled for October 2024, according to a report by the Deseret News in January. In this case, Hola alleges that Finau and his family failed to repay loans and neglected to compensate for various work and services provided to them from 2006 to 2009, which aligns with the timeframe of the dissolved Finau Corporation. The complaint states that Hola provided significant financial assistance amounting to approximately six hundred thousand dollars ($600,000). This encompassed mortgage payments, medical insurance and bills, travel expenses related to golf tournaments, costs for caddies and equipment, as well as expenses for golf apparel.

Notably, Hola’s previous claim regarding breach of contract, which asserted his entitlement to receive 20 percent of Finau’s earnings as a professional golfer, was already dismissed. The initial claim, filed in 2020, had sought $16 million in damages. Hola’s representative, Joshua S. Ostler, has chosen not to specify the exact dollar amount they will pursue during the trial scheduled for October.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current status of the lawsuits against Tony Finau?

The Utah Court of Appeals has dismissed one of the lawsuits filed against Tony Finau, while another case is still set for an October trial.

What was the reason for the dismissal of the lawsuit?

The dismissal was based on the statute of limitations for a breach-of-contract claim, as determined by the judge in Provo, Utah’s 4th District Court.

Who is Molonai Hola and what claims does he make?

Molonai Hola is another individual who filed a lawsuit against Tony Finau. Hola alleges non-repayment of loans and other work and services provided to Finau and his family between 2006 and 2009, which amounts to approximately six hundred thousand dollars ($600,000).

Has Tony Finau been involved in any previous legal disputes?

Yes, a previous claim by Molonai Hola regarding breach of contract was already thrown out.

How much money did Molonai Hola initially seek in damages?

Molonai Hola’s initial claim, which was filed in 2020, asked for $16 million in damages.