When discussing contemporary giants of professional golf, the conversation would be incomplete without a nod to Tony Finau. His combination of raw power, accuracy, and a laid-back demeanour belies a burning ambition for success in an intensely challenging sport. A golfer of vibrant Pacific Islander and American heritage, Finau has consistently made a name for himself as an explosive and universally admired force on the PGA Tour.
Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, Finau first burst onto the national scene in 2006 when he turned professional at the tender age of 17. To grasp the full extent of his achievement, consider the fact that his early years were spent hitting balls into a makeshift net in his parents’ garage. Tony, alongside his brother Gipper, would volley a flurry of shots into an old mattress using a six-iron – the only club they could afford at that time.
His raw dedication and exceptional talent soon began to pay dividends. After grinding on various mini-tours for several years, Finau earned a card on the Web.com Tour in 2013 (now the Korn Ferry Tour). The following year brought even more success as Finau won his first Web.com Tour event, the Stonebrae Classic in Hayward, California. This triumph helped him earn his PGA Tour card for the 2014-2015 season.
Finau’s rise was swift from thereon, and he soon established himself as a regular on leaderboards all across the PGA Tour. This was largely down to his unique blend of skills, most notably his awesome driving distance. In a sport continuously evolving towards favoring the big hitters, Finau was right at home. His impressive stats tell the story, being consistently ranked amongst the longest hitters on the PGA Tour, often driving the ball over 300 yards.
Perhaps his most significant career milestone on the PGA Tour came in 2016 at the Puerto Rico Open. Finau triumphed in an exciting playoff against Steve Marino to clinch his maiden PGA Tour title. Despite the pressure of a playoff and the expectations accompanying his promising performances up until then, Finau signaled that he belonged at golf’s highest echelon.
Beyond his skills, another quality that distinguishes Finau from many of his contemporaries is his heartfelt connection with fans. Despite being a fierce competitor on the course, Finau never shies away from interacting with fans. The most noteworthy instance of this came during the 2018 Masters Par-3 contest when he severely sprained his ankle celebrating a hole-in-one, only to continue playing and even tied for 10th at the main event. This self-described “Finau finish” solidified his reputation as a fighter.
Representing the USA in the 2018 Ryder Cup was another major career moment for Finau. He embraced the team aspect of the competition wholeheartedly and justified his Captain’s pick by making key contributions in his matches. This led to his securing a place in Team USA’s Ryder Cup side twice, leaving an indelible mark on both occasions.
While Finau still carries the hunger to add a major championship to his resume, he has amassed an impressive collection of top-10 finishes in the majors. Notably, he’s finished in the top 10 in every major tournament, showcasing his adaptability to different courses and conditions.
Off the course, Finau has been equally impressive. He started the Tony Finau Foundation with the mission to empower and inspire youth and their families. Through his foundation, he has been able to give back to the community that supported him in his developing years.
Tony Finau’s combination of raw power, finesse around the greens, and never-say-die attitude mark him out as a genuine star of the PGA Tour. However, what truly sets him apart is his humility and commitment to giving back to the game that has given him so much. While his quest for further glory continues, one thing is for sure, his story, marked by tenacity and resilience, shall continue to inspire present and future generations of golfers. As he keeps pushing the boundaries of his game, golf lovers worldwide will undoubtedly keep their eyes peeled on this exciting and endearing talent on the greens.