The legal action seeks a declaratory judgment, damages for breach of contract, and remedies for unfair and deceptive trade practices.
RALEIGH, N.C., — McConnell Golf, LLC has filed a lawsuit in the Wake County Superior Court against The Cincinnati Insurance Company for its wrongful refusal to fully cover extensive damages suffered by three McConnell Golf properties during Hurricane Helene in September 2024. The legal action seeks a declaratory judgment, damages for breach of contract, and remedies for unfair and deceptive trade practices.
Despite paying nearly $900,000 in premiums for a broad insurance policy that explicitly covered windstorm-related damage, McConnell Golf asserts that Cincinnati has failed to honor its obligations under the policy.
The policy includes specific “Tee-to-Green” coverage designed for golf courses, as well as additional protections for outdoor golf infrastructure, landscaping, and business interruption losses.
Hurricane Helene brought devastating wind damages to McConnell’s properties: the Country Club of Asheville (NC), Musgrove Mill Golf Club (SC), and the Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech (VA). The storm caused significant destruction to greens, bunkers, tennis courts, fencing, and other golf course assets, not to mention the unsurmountable clean-up work. It also forced operational suspensions, resulting in lost business income for months, with Musgrove Mill and the Pete Dye Course at VT just now to fully re-open for play. “We have spent millions to get the courses back up to play,” said Christian Anastasiadis, COO of McConnell Golf.
While Cincinnati initially paid out a limited amount under a separate “Tree and Shrub” endorsement, Cincinnati has only offered $108,493.66 for the remainder of the claim—far short of the $3.1 million in verified damages McConnell Golf submitted, along with a sworn proof of loss. The insurer’s failure to provide a full and timely coverage determination has left McConnell Golf with unreimbursed costs and operational challenges across all three properties.
“Cincinnati Insurance has had over seven months and a mountain of documentation. Their refusal to pay is not only unwarranted—it’s unacceptable,” said Anastasiadis. “This policy was tailored for golf course protection. We got the run-around, and it’s time Cincinnati honored their commitment.”
The complaint alleges violations of North Carolina’s statutes regarding unfair methods of competition and unfair and deceptive acts or practices in the business of insurance, including failure to conduct a reasonable investigation, delayed claims processing, and bad-faith settlement practices. “Trust, we will be seeking full damages, treble damages for unfair trade practices, attorneys’ fees, and a jury trial,” Anastasiadis said.
McConnell Golf, headquartered in Raleigh, NC, operates premier golf clubs across the Southeast and is recognized for its commitment to excellence in course quality, member experience, and integrity in business.
Media Contacts:
Christian Anastasiadis, COO 919-235-8900 christian@raleighcc.com
Charles George, Wyrick Robbins Yates & Ponton LLP, 919-781-4000 cgeorge@wyrick.com
Martin Armes, McConnell Golf, 1 9196087260, martinarmes9093@gmail.com, www.McConnellGolf.com
SOURCE McConnell Golf
