He’s revered as one of the most likable guys on the PGA Tour.
He also won over the hearts of casual golf fans in the Netflix special “Full Swing.”
But PGA star Tony Finau has ticked off a lot of people that helped him get to where he is today.
According to the Deseret News, Finau was swarmed by angry protestors at his charity golf event Monday in Utah who demanded he “pay his debts,” which is allegedly in in the millions.
The individuals camped outside of Oakridge Country Club for two and a half hours for Finau’s annual golf tournament and clinic.
🚨🪧💰 Protestors stood outside the gates at Utah’s Oakridge Country Club yesterday for over 2 hours as Tony Finau hosted his annual tournament. Some individuals claim Finau owes them millions, including Molokai Hola who says he’s owed $600K and 20% of Finau’s career earnings.… pic.twitter.com/7ktwKe3IqD
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) July 30, 2024
“This is all about awareness,”protest organizer Rocky Bowlby, who claims he’s owed more than $100,000 for loans, rent, cars and airfare by Finau’s family, told the outlet. “No one knows the real Tony.”
According to the report, Finau reportedly showed up about two hours after the protest started Monday and gave the protesting crew the cold shoulder upon arrival.
Some of the signs displayed Monday focused on the Utah native’s Tony Finau Foundation, along with the Utah Sports Commission.
Bowlby said there are more than 10 people to whom Finau owes money, including former Utah football player Molonai Hola.
Hola, described by the paper as a family friend and former business associate, previously filed a 2020 lawsuit alleging he is owed more than $600,00 for helping back Finau and his brother Gipper’s careers from 2006-09, before Finau become a member of the PGA Tour.
He also is seeking 20% of Finau’s career winnings, per court documents seen by the outlet.
According to Spotrac.com, Finau has made roughly $55.6 million in his career, meaning Hola is asking for north of $11 million.
An eight-day jury trial is set for September according to the report.