Greenbriar Classic: Charity Must Foot $200K Bill For 2015 Event

WHITE SULPHER SPRINGS, WV — Old White Charities Inc. is on the hook for nearly $200,000 stemming from an event two years ago at the Greenbrier Classic, a federal appeals court ruled.

In 2015, West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice's charity promised fans at the 18th hole $100 for the first hole-in-one and $500 for the second. George McNeill and Justin Thomas — both professional golfers — aced the 137-yard hole and forced the charity to pay out nearly $200,000 to fans around the green.

The charity took out an insurance policy on the payouts and accused its insurer of breaching its contract for not covering the payout. But the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the policy only covered holes 170 yards or longer.

Photo credit: John Raby/Associated Press