Maybe Tony Finau will be a part of LIV Golf in spite of everything.
After initially committing to this week’s Hero World Problem, the 20-man occasion hosted by Tiger Woods each December, Finau pulled out on the final minute on account of undisclosed causes. The PGA Tour Communications staff launched an up to date discipline on Monday morning, which included 2023 Ryder Cup participant Sepp Straka taking Finau’s place.
It’s additionally price noting that Finau has participated on this limited-field occasion 5 occasions earlier than, together with the final three editions. He tied for fourth final 12 months, ending 5 strokes behind winner Scottie Scheffler.
Finau’s withdrawal has led many to take a position about his affinity with the Saudi-backed circuit. After all, at this level final 12 months, Jon Rahm jumped ship to LIV Golf, doing so on dwell tv whereas carrying a LIV letterman jacket. Within the weeks main as much as that announcement, Rahm-to-LIV rumors circulated for days on finish, which had been ultimately confirmed to the world on Dec. 7, 2023—precisely six months and in the future after the PGA Tour struck a framework settlement with the Saudi Public Funding Fund (PIF), LIV’s beneficiary.
Rahm went on to win two LIV occasions and finally gained the season-long particular person title in his debut season.
Finau, in the meantime, posted 5 top-10 finishes, which included a runner-up on the Texas Youngsters’s Houston Open and a T-3 on the U.S. Open. He didn’t have a poor season per se, as he did qualify for the Tour Championship at East Lake. Finau additionally made 20-of-22 cuts however didn’t make it into the winner’s circle. His final skilled victory got here on the 2023 Mexico Open at Vidanta.
The Utah native has turned down gives from LIV Golf prior to now, however these in LIV circles point out that Finau will be a part of Rahm’s Legion XIII staff forward of the 2025 season. Who is aware of if it will truly play out, however given Finau’s timing of his withdrawal and the truth that Rahm joined LIV in December final 12 months, this hypothesis definitely carries some weight.
Jack Milko is a golf employees author for SB Nation’s Taking part in By way of. You should definitely take a look at @_PlayingThrough for extra golf protection. You’ll be able to comply with him on Twitter @jack_milko as nicely.