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Tony Finau
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Milton Pouha "Tony" Finau (born September 14, 1989) is an American professional golfer who currently plays on the PGA Tour.
Key Information
Early life and amateur career
[edit]Milton Pouha Finau was born on September 14, 1989, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He attended West High School.[4] He won the Utah State Amateur Championship in 2006, defeating future PGA Tour player Daniel Summerhays in the 36-hole championship match.[5]
Professional career
[edit]Although Finau had college scholarship offers in basketball, he turned professional at the age of 17 and began playing on mini-tours including the Gateway Tour, NGA Hooters Tour, and National Pro Tour.[6] Finau and his brother Gipper competed on the Golf Channel's The Big Break in 2009. Finau finished second on Big Break Disney Golf.[6]
Finau played on the PGA Tour Canada in 2013, making seven cuts in eight starts.[6] He finished T-3 at the 2013 Web.com Tour qualifying school to earn his Web.com Tour card for 2014.[6] He won his first title in August 2014 at the Stonebrae Classic.[7] He finished 8th in the regular season, and 12th in the Web.com Tour Finals to earn his PGA Tour card for the 2014–15 season.
In March 2016, Finau won his maiden title on the PGA Tour at the Puerto Rico Open. He won in a sudden death playoff over Steve Marino with a birdie on the third extra hole. He had earlier missed a putt for the victory outright on the 72nd green. The result moved Finau into the top 25 in the FedEx Cup standings. Finau opted not to defend his Puerto Rico title in 2017, instead taking his chances to get into the field at the 2017 WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play, but was two players short of entering the field, which takes the top 64 available players from the Official World Golf Ranking.
2018
[edit]Finau qualified for the first three majors in 2018, including his first Masters appearance, by making it to the Tour Championship in 2017. He finished in a tie for 10th place at the 2018 Masters, despite dislocating his ankle in the Par-3 contest[8] the day before the first round. In June 2018, Finau finished in 5th place at the U.S. Open after a double-bogey on the 18th hole, his highest finish to date in a major tournament. Finau finished the 2018 PGA Tour season ranked sixth in the season-long FedEx Cup. He earned over $5,600,000 in the 2017–18 season with 11 top-10 finishes. His best finishes in the season were second at the Safeway Open and The Northern Trust. He also finished T2 at the Genesis Open.[6]
In September 2018, U.S. team captain Jim Furyk named Finau as a captain's pick for the 2018 Ryder Cup at Le Golf National outside of Paris, France. The U.S. lost the Ryder Cup to the European side 17+1⁄2 to 10+1⁄2. Finau finished with a 2-1-0 record and won his singles match over Tommy Fleetwood (6 and 4). Up till then Fleetwood had gone 4-0-0 in the fourball and foursome matches (with partner Francesco Molinari).[9]
2018–19 PGA Tour season
[edit]On October 28, 2018, Finau lost a playoff against Xander Schauffele in the WGC-HSBC Champions. He still won more than $1,000,000 by finishing second.[10] In April, Finau was in the final group of the 2019 Masters Tournament with Francesco Molinari and Tiger Woods.[11] He ended the tournament tied for 5th.
2019–20 PGA Tour season
[edit]In December 2019, Finau played on the U.S. team at the 2019 Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne Golf Club in Australia. The U.S. team won 16–14. Finau went 0–1–3 and halved his Sunday singles match against Hideki Matsuyama.[12]
In February 2020, Finau lost the Waste Management Phoenix Open in a sudden death playoff to Webb Simpson.[13] Finau, who lost to Simpson's birdie on the first extra hole, had held a two stroke lead with two holes to play, but Simpson finished with consecutive birdies to force the playoff.[14]
In July at the Memorial Tournament, Finau held a four-stroke lead in the third round before faltering on the back nine with two double bogeys. His struggles continued on Sunday, including a triple bogey on the par-four sixth hole, ultimately shooting six over par on the day and finishing the tournament in eighth place, two under par. A week later, Finau's T-3 placing at the 3M Open meant that he now shares the PGA Tour record (30) for the most top-10 finishes in a four-year period without a win.[15]
2020–21 PGA Tour season: Second win after five years
[edit]In early 2021, Finau had a stretch of five weeks where he finished in the top 4 in all four tournaments that he entered. He finished fourth at The American Express, tied second at the Farmers Insurance Open, tied second at the Saudi International on the European Tour and he lost in a playoff to Max Homa at the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, California. Finau won the 2021 Northern Trust, beating Cameron Smith in a playoff.[16]
In September 2021, Finau played on the U.S. team in the 2021 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin. The U.S. team won 19–9 and Finau went 1–2–0 including a loss in his Sunday singles match against Ian Poulter.
2021–22 PGA Tour season
[edit]In July 2022, Finau won the 3M Open[17] and the Rocket Mortgage Classic in successive weeks; his third and fourth victories on PGA Tour.[18]
2022–23 PGA Tour season
[edit]
Finau qualified for the U.S. team at the 2022 Presidents Cup; he won three and lost one of his matches.[19] In November 2022, Finau won the Cadence Bank Houston Open for his third PGA Tour victory of the calendar year.[20] In April 2023, Finau won the Mexico Open for his sixth career PGA Tour victory.[21]
Personal life
[edit]Finau is of Tongan and Samoan descent, the first person of such ancestry to play on the PGA Tour.[22] Finau's brother Gipper made the cut in the Utah EnergySolutions Championship at the age of 16 but did not succeed as a tournament professional.[6] He is the cousin of NBA basketball player Jabari Parker[6] and former NFL football player Haloti Ngata.[23]
Finau runs the Tony Finau Foundation, an organization aimed at empowering youth and their families in the local community.[24] He is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He and his wife, Alayna Finau, have six children.[25] Finau appears in the sports documentary series Full Swing, which premiered on Netflix on February 15, 2023.[26]
Professional wins (9)
[edit]PGA Tour wins (6)
[edit]| Legend |
|---|
| FedEx Cup playoff events (1) |
| Other PGA Tour (5) |
| No. | Date | Tournament | Winning score | To par | Margin of victory |
Runner(s)-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mar 27, 2016 | Puerto Rico Open | 69-70-67-70=276 | −12 | Playoff | |
| 2 | Aug 23, 2021 | The Northern Trust | 67-64-68-65=264 | −20 | Playoff | |
| 3 | Jul 24, 2022 | 3M Open | 67-68-65-67=267 | −17 | 3 strokes | |
| 4 | Jul 31, 2022 | Rocket Mortgage Classic | 64-66-65-67=262 | −26 | 5 strokes | |
| 5 | Nov 13, 2022 | Cadence Bank Houston Open | 65-62-68-69=264 | −16 | 4 strokes | |
| 6 | Apr 30, 2023 | Mexico Open | 65-64-65-66=260 | −24 | 3 strokes |
PGA Tour playoff record (2–3)
| No. | Year | Tournament | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2016 | Puerto Rico Open | Won with birdie on third extra hole | |
| 2 | 2018 | WGC-HSBC Champions | Lost to birdie on first extra hole | |
| 3 | 2020 | Waste Management Phoenix Open | Lost to birdie on first extra hole | |
| 4 | 2021 | Genesis Invitational | Lost to par on second extra hole | |
| 5 | 2021 | The Northern Trust | Won with par on first extra hole |
Web.com Tour wins (1)
[edit]| No. | Date | Tournament | Winning score | To par | Margin of victory |
Runners-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aug 3, 2014 | Stonebrae Classic | 67-62-63-66=267 | −22 | 3 strokes |
National Pro Tour wins (2)
[edit]| No. | Date | Tournament | Winning score | To par | Margin of victory |
Runner-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apr 13, 2012 | Hall of Fame Classic | 66-67-71-65=269 | −19 | 3 strokes | |
| 2 | Apr 20, 2012 | Atlantic Open | 70-67-69-69=275 | −13 | 4 strokes |
Source:[27]
Playoff record
[edit]European Tour playoff record (0–1)
| No. | Year | Tournament | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2018 | WGC-HSBC Champions | Lost to birdie on first extra hole |
Results in major championships
[edit]Results not in chronological order in 2020.
| Tournament | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Masters Tournament | T10 | |||
| U.S. Open | T14 | CUT | 5 | |
| The Open Championship | T18 | T27 | T9 | |
| PGA Championship | T10 | CUT | T44 | T42 |
| Tournament | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Masters Tournament | T5 | T38 | T10 | T35 | T26 | T55 | CUT |
| PGA Championship | T64 | T4 | T8 | T30 | T72 | T18 | T19 |
| U.S. Open | CUT | T8 | CUT | CUT | T32 | T3 | T38 |
| The Open Championship | 3 | NT | T15 | T28 | CUT | CUT | T56 |
CUT = missed the half-way cut
"T" indicates a tie for a place
NT = no tournament due to COVID-19 pandemic
Summary
[edit]| Tournament | Wins | 2nd | 3rd | Top-5 | Top-10 | Top-25 | Events | Cuts made |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Masters Tournament | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 8 | 7 |
| PGA Championship | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 11 | 10 |
| U.S. Open | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 10 | 6 |
| The Open Championship | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 9 | 7 |
| Totals | 0 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 11 | 16 | 38 | 30 |
- Most consecutive cuts made – 8 (2017 Open – 2019 PGA)
- Longest streak of top-10s – 3 (twice)
Results in The Players Championship
[edit]| Tournament | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Players Championship | CUT | CUT | T57 | T22 | C | CUT | CUT | T19 | T45 | CUT |
CUT = missed the halfway cut
"T" indicates a tie for a place
C = Canceled after the first round due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Results in World Golf Championships
[edit]| Tournament | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Championship | T27 | T25 | 14 | ||||
| Match Play | T17 | T40 | NT1 | T28 | T35 | T17 | |
| Invitational | T10 | T27 | T65 | T34 | |||
| Champions | T11 | 2 | T53 | NT1 | NT1 | NT1 | |
1Cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic
NT = No tournament
"T" = Tied
Note that the Championship and Invitational were discontinued from 2022. The Champions was discontinued from 2023.
U.S. national team appearances
[edit]See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Beall, Joel (February 3, 2020). "Does Tony Finau choke on Sundays, or is he the victim of bad luck? An analysis". Golf Digest. Retrieved September 18, 2021.
- ^ Schupak, Adam (February 1, 2020). "New Scottsdale resident Tony Finau right at home with third-round lead at Phoenix Open". AZ Central. Retrieved August 24, 2021.
- ^ "Week 48 2018 Ending 2 Dec 2018" (pdf). OWGR. Retrieved December 20, 2018.
- ^ "Tony Finau – Bio". PGA Tour. Retrieved April 13, 2025.
- ^ Sorensen, Mike (August 14, 2006). "At 16, Finau well on his way to achieving golf goals". Deseret News. Retrieved April 11, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Tony Finau profile". PGA Tour. Retrieved August 13, 2014.
- ^ "Tony Finau shoots 66 en route to win". ESPN. Associated Press. August 3, 2014.
- ^ "Tony Finau dislocates ankle celebrating hole-in-one at Masters Par-Three event - and pops it back in himself". The Independent. April 8, 2018.
- ^ Wittry, Andy (September 30, 2018). "Ryder Cup Scores: Tony Finau and Henrik Stenson had the best days relative to par Sunday at Le Golf National". Ryder Cup. Retrieved October 26, 2018.
- ^ Kragthorpe, Kurt (October 28, 2018). "Utah's Tony Finau loses a playoff in his bid for a World Golf Championship title". The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved October 28, 2018.
- ^ Everill, Ben. "Remembering the final round of the 2019 Masters". PGA Tour. Retrieved September 3, 2023.
- ^ Dusek, David (December 15, 2019). "Presidents Cup grades: Captains, Royal Melbourne score high marks". Golfweek.
- ^ Gray, Will (February 2, 2020). "Power of precision: Simpson stays true to roots to beat heavy-hitting Finau". Golf Channel.
- ^ "Webb Simpson wins Waste Management Phoenix Open, Bryson DeChambeau finishes 2-under". Dallas News. Associated Press. February 3, 2020. Retrieved July 27, 2020.
- ^ Myers, Alex (July 27, 2020). "Tony Finau is about to break a PGA Tour record that he probably won't want to celebrate". Golf Digest. Retrieved July 27, 2020.
- ^ Ferguson, Doug (August 24, 2021). "Tony Finau ends 5-year drought and wins Northern Trust". Associated Press. Retrieved August 24, 2021.
- ^ Zgoda, Jerry (July 24, 2022). "Tony Finau surges on final day to take 3M Open championship". Star Tribune. Retrieved July 24, 2022.
- ^ Garcia, Tony (July 31, 2022). "Tony Finau nearly flawless in 2022 Rocket Mortgage Classic win for back-to-back PGA wins". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved July 31, 2022.
- ^ Beall, Joel (September 25, 2022). "Presidents Cup 2022: Our grades for all 24 players, from an A+ for Spieth to an F for Scheffler". Golf Digest. Retrieved September 27, 2022.
- ^ Robertson, Dale (November 13, 2022). "Tony Finau cruises to Houston Open win for third PGA Tour victory of year". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved November 23, 2022.
- ^ McDonald, Ryan (April 30, 2023). "Tony Finau wins another PGA Tour event comfortably". Deseret News. Retrieved April 30, 2023.
- ^ Evans, Farrell (October 7, 2014). "Finau's atypical path to PGA Tour". ESPN.
- ^ "Column: No joke _ a Samoan walks onto a golf course and ..." USA Today. Associated Press. August 15, 2015. Retrieved April 6, 2023.
- ^ "Tony Finau Foundation". Retrieved February 21, 2021.
- ^ Jourdan, Cameron (January 29, 2025). "Tony Finau, wife Layla announce birth of sixth child, surprise kids with gender reveal". Golfweek.
- ^ "Tee Up for 'Full Swing,' the Golf Documentary Series That Drives Plenty of Drama". Netflix Tudum. Retrieved February 13, 2023.
- ^ "2012 National Pro Tour schedule". National Pro Tour. Archived from the original on September 25, 2012.
External links
[edit]- Tony Finau at the PGA Tour official site
- Tony Finau at the Official World Golf Ranking official site
Tony Finau
View on GrokipediaEarly life and amateur career
Family background and upbringing
Tony Finau was born on September 14, 1989, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to parents of Polynesian descent, with his father Kelepi hailing from Tonga and his mother Ravena from American Samoa.[3][6] As the third oldest of seven siblings in a close-knit family, Finau grew up in a modest household where resources were limited, yet cultural traditions from his Samoan-Tongan heritage emphasized community, resilience, and familial support. His father, who immigrated to the United States at age 11 and worked graveyard shifts at Delta Airlines to provide for the family, played a pivotal role in fostering discipline and ambition among the children.[7][8] Meanwhile, his mother Ravena was a steady source of encouragement and positivity, often prioritizing her children's dreams despite financial hardships; she passed away in a car accident in 2011, leaving a lasting legacy of unwavering support.[9][10] Finau's introduction to golf came around age 8, sparked by family outings and his parents' desire to channel the children's energy into a constructive pursuit, though he began swinging clubs informally at a younger age during home-based adventures. With no access to formal courses due to the family's budget, his father set up a makeshift hitting area in their garage, where Finau would practice by striking balls into a mattress propped against the wall—often hitting up to 1,000 balls a day to build his swing and endurance.[11][1] This resourceful environment in their Salt Lake City apartment not only honed his technical skills but also instilled a strong work ethic, as the siblings took turns practicing amid the constraints of shared space. The family's adherence to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints profoundly shaped their values, emphasizing faith, hard work, and moral discipline that guided Finau's upbringing and approach to challenges. Church teachings on family unity and perseverance provided a foundation for the sacrifices made to support his emerging golf talent, reinforcing a sense of purpose beyond individual achievement.[12][13]Junior and amateur achievements
Finau began playing competitive golf at the age of 8 after being introduced to the sport by his family, quickly showing promise in local events.[11] He joined the Utah Junior Golf Association at age 9 and amassed several victories in its tournaments during his early teens, building a reputation as one of Utah's top young talents.[14] At 15, Finau captured the 2005 Utah Junior Amateur Championship, prevailing in a sudden-death playoff against Rose Park's Connor Howe after both finished at 2-under-par 214 over 54 holes at Soldier Hollow Golf Course.[15] The following year, as a 16-year-old, he achieved national recognition by finishing runner-up at the Boys Junior PGA Championship at Westfield Country Club in Dulles, Virginia, where he lost to Joe Monte in the final match.[16] Finau's amateur career peaked in 2006 when he won the Utah State Amateur Championship at Soldier Hollow, defeating fellow standout Daniel Summerhays—future PGA Tour player—by 6-and-5 in the 36-hole final to claim the title at age 16.[11] Earlier that year, he had also earned medalist honors at the Junior America's Cup international team event.[11] These successes, supported by his family's dedication to his development, positioned him as a rising star.[17] Opting against college golf despite scholarship offers, Finau turned professional at 17 in 2007, immediately competing in events like the NGA Pro Golf Tour to launch his career.[17]Professional career
Turn professional and early tours
Finau turned professional in 2007 at the age of 17, forgoing college basketball scholarship offers to pursue golf full-time.[18] He initially competed on developmental mini-tours, including the Gateway Tour and the NGA Hooters Tour, honing his skills amid financial and competitive challenges.[19] These circuits provided essential experience, though purses were modest and travel demanding for the young golfer from Utah. In 2009, Finau gained broader exposure by competing on Golf Channel's reality series The Big Break: Tour, where he advanced to the finals but finished second after relinquishing a late lead in the championship match.[20] That same year and into the early 2010s, he secured victories on the National Pro Golf Tour, a key mini-tour circuit; notable among them were the 2012 Hall of Fame Classic, where he closed with a 65 for a three-stroke win, and a second consecutive event victory shortly after.[21][22] These successes, which earned him approximately $44,000 in 2012 alone, marked a turning point in building his professional resume.[23] Finau's persistence paid off in 2013 when he debuted on PGA Tour Canada, making seven cuts in eight starts and demonstrating consistency on a higher developmental level.[18] The following year, after earning his Web.com Tour (now Korn Ferry Tour) card through a T-3 finish at the 2013 qualifying school final stage, he claimed his first title on that circuit at the 2014 Stonebrae Classic, firing a final-round 66 to win by three strokes; he finished eighth in the regular season and 12th in the Finals to secure full PGA Tour membership for the 2015 season.[24][25] This breakthrough solidified his trajectory toward the major leagues.Breakthrough on PGA Tour (2014–17)
Finau earned his PGA Tour card for the 2014–15 season through his performance on the Web.com Tour in 2014, finishing eighth in the regular season and 12th in the Finals to claim the 25th and final spot.[26] As a rookie in the 2014–15 season, Finau demonstrated consistency with five top-10 finishes, including a tie for fifth at the OHL Classic at Mayakoba, a scoring average of 70.3, and earnings of over $2 million, placing him 34th on the money list despite no victories.[27] In the following 2015–16 season, he maintained steady form with multiple top-25 results across 28 starts, such as a tie for 13th at the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, but struggled to close out wins until March 2016.[28] Finau's breakthrough victory came at the 2016 Puerto Rico Open, where he defeated Steve Marino with a birdie on the third playoff hole at the par-5 18th after both finished regulation at 12-under-par.[29] This maiden PGA Tour title, played opposite the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play, highlighted his long-hitting ability and marked the end of a winless streak amid occasional form dips, including missed cuts in majors like the U.S. Open.[30] The 2016–17 season saw Finau elevate his game further, recording eight top-10 finishes in 29 starts and earning $2.8 million, with notable results including a tie for second at the season-opening Safeway Open and a tie for fourth at the PGA Championship.[31] These performances propelled him to a career-high Official World Golf Ranking of 18th in August 2017 before ending the year at 41st, though he faced minor setbacks with form inconsistencies later in the season.[32][33]First PGA Tour victory and rise (2018–20)
In 2018, Finau continued his ascent on the PGA Tour with a breakout season marked by multiple high finishes and his first major contention. He finished second at The Northern Trust, shooting a final-round 66 to end one stroke behind winner Bryson DeChambeau. Later that year, Finau tied for fifth at the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, where a third-round 66 briefly placed him in contention before a final-round double bogey on the 18th hole dropped him from a potential tie for third. These performances contributed to 11 top-10 finishes in the 2017–18 season, earning him over $5.6 million and elevating his Official World Golf Ranking to a career-high No. 9 in December 2018.[34] Finau's momentum carried into international team play with his Ryder Cup debut at Le Golf National in France, where he represented the United States as a rookie. Paired frequently with Brooks Koepka, Finau posted a 2-2-0 record across four matches, including a 2&1 four-ball victory over Justin Rose and Jon Rahm, a 3&2 foursomes loss to Rory McIlroy and Thomas Pieters, a 2&1 four-ball defeat to Sergio Garcia and McIlroy, and a dominant 6&4 singles win over Tommy Fleetwood. Despite the U.S. team's 17.5–10.5 loss to Europe, Finau's contributions highlighted his growing prowess in match play.[35] The 2019 season saw Finau maintain consistency amid close calls, with no victories but several strong showings that solidified his status as a top contender. He finished tied for second at the Waste Management Phoenix Open, losing in a playoff to Matsuyama after a final-round 65. Other highlights included a tied for fifth at the Masters Tournament and a tied for ninth at the PGA Championship, contributing to eight top-10 finishes for the year. Finau also competed in the Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne, where he recorded a 0-1-3 mark in four matches, including a halve in singles against Hideki Matsuyama, as the U.S. team edged the International squad 16-14. The 2019–20 season was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which suspended PGA Tour play for over three months starting in March 2020 and led to condensed scheduling and venue changes. Despite the interruptions, Finau achieved seven top-10 finishes, including a tied for fourth at the PGA Championship at TPC Harding Park—his best major result to date—and a tied for second at the Rocket Mortgage Classic. He ended the season ranked 10th in the FedEx Cup standings, demonstrating resilience amid the challenges that affected training, travel, and competition formats.Multiple wins and consistency (2021–23)
Finau broke a five-year title drought on the PGA Tour with a victory at The Northern Trust in August 2021, defeating Cameron Smith in a playoff after firing a final-round 65 to reach 15-under par. This marked his third career PGA Tour win and propelled him to the top of the FedEx Cup standings.[36] The following year, Finau achieved a career resurgence with three PGA Tour victories, showcasing remarkable consistency and ball-striking prowess. He captured the 3M Open in July by two strokes over Sahith Theegala, carding a final-round 66 to finish at 23-under. Just one week later, he defended his form at the Rocket Mortgage Classic, closing with a 67 for a five-shot triumph at a tournament-record 26-under, becoming the first player to win consecutive events in the 2021-22 season. Finau rounded out his prolific season with a win at the Cadence Bank Houston Open in November, leading wire-to-wire and winning by four strokes at 16-under to secure his sixth overall PGA Tour title.[37] In 2023, Finau continued his strong play by winning the Mexico Open at Vidanta in April, his sixth PGA Tour title, after entering the final round with a two-shot lead and posting a 66 to finish at 24-under, three strokes clear of Jon Rahm. Throughout the 2021-23 period, Finau maintained consistency with multiple top-20 finishes in major championships, including tied for 26th at the Masters and tied for 32nd at the U.S. Open in 2023. He also excelled in team events, recording a 1-2-0 mark at the 2021 Ryder Cup to help the United States secure a dominant 19-9 victory over Europe—the largest margin in the event's history. The next year, Finau went 3-1-0 at the Presidents Cup, partnering effectively with Max Homa in foursomes and contributing to the U.S. team's 17.5–12.5 win over the International squad.[38][39][40][41][42]Recent seasons (2024–25)
In the 2024 PGA Tour season, Finau failed to claim a victory for the first time since 2016 but maintained consistent contention, logging five top-10 finishes, including a runner-up at the Texas Children's Houston Open and a tie for third at the U.S. Open.[43][44] He also tied for 18th at the PGA Championship, finishing at 11-under par.[45] Finau's performance translated to official earnings of $4,200,652, placing him 21st on the money list.[46] Finau represented the United States at the 2024 Presidents Cup at Royal Montreal Golf Club, where he compiled a 2-2-0 record across four matches, partnering effectively with Xander Schauffele in team formats before a singles loss on the final day.[47] The U.S. team secured the victory with a 17.5–12.5 score over the International squad, marking their 12th win in the last 15 editions.[48] Entering 2025 without a win since the 2023 Mexico Open, Finau opened the season with a tie for 15th at The Sentry and a top-5 finish at The Genesis Invitational.[49] He missed the cut at the Masters Tournament with rounds of 75-73.[50] At the PGA Championship, Finau ended tied for 19th at 2-under par.[50] Through November, Finau has yet to win, with one top-10 finish and earnings of $2,551,493, while holding the 73rd position in the Official World Golf Ranking.[51][52]Personal life
Family and children
Tony Finau married Alayna Galea'i in May 2012 after meeting earlier in their young adulthood.[53] The couple, both raised in Utah, share a strong foundation in their shared faith as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which has been central to their relationship.[4] Finau and Alayna have six children together. Their first child, son Jraice, was born in 2011.[53] Daughter Leilene, who goes by the nickname "Neenee," arrived in 2012.[53] Their second son, Tony Jr., was born in 2015, followed by another son, Sage, in 2016.[54] Daughter Sienna-Vee joined the family in July 2021.[53] The couple welcomed their sixth child, daughter Layton, on January 25, 2025.[55] The Finau family frequently travels together to support Tony during PGA Tour events, with Alayna and the children often accompanying him to tournaments around the world.[56] This close-knit dynamic provides essential emotional backing amid the demands of professional golf. Finau's Polynesian heritage—his father Kelepi is Tongan and his mother Ravena is Samoan—infuses their family life with cultural traditions emphasizing respect, love, and communal support.[57]Philanthropy and interests
Finau founded the Tony Finau Foundation in 2015, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering and inspiring youth and their families in Utah through access to golf, education, wellness, and recreational opportunities.[58] The foundation focuses on underprivileged children, providing scholarships, learning facilities like the Tony Finau Foundation Literacy Center in West Valley City, and programs to foster personal development.[59] Key initiatives include annual events such as the Finau Family Invitational, a charity golf scramble that raises funds for community causes,[60] and the Finau Kapalua Invitational, which supported disaster relief efforts including recovery from the 2023 Maui wildfires.[61] The foundation collaborates with organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, where Finau has volunteered at charity outings and shared golf tips with youth participants to promote success and resilience.[62] Following his PGA Tour victories, Finau routinely directs portions of his earnings and event proceeds to charitable causes; for instance, he donated $100,000 to support personal protective equipment production during the COVID-19 pandemic and has helped raise over $1 million through pro-am charity challenges.[63][64] In July 2024, Finau faced protests at a foundation charity golf event from individuals alleging unpaid debts related to early career investments. A related lawsuit filed by investor Molonai Hola claiming over $600,000 plus a share of winnings was dismissed in January 2025 at the request of both parties, though an appeal is planned.[65][66] Beyond philanthropy, Finau maintains diverse personal interests that reflect his Utah roots and family-oriented lifestyle. A lifelong basketball enthusiast, he is a dedicated fan of the Utah Jazz, having publicly switched his allegiance from the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020 and even carrying a custom Jazz-themed golf bag.[67] He enjoys fishing outings with his children, as seen during a weather delay at the 2022 3M Open where he spent time catching bluegill at a nearby pond.[68] Family vacations remain a priority, allowing him to balance his professional commitments with quality time away from the course. As a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Finau integrates his faith into daily life, crediting it as a guiding force in his career and personal decisions.[12]Professional wins (9)
PGA Tour wins (6)
Tony Finau has recorded six PGA Tour victories, spanning from his debut professional win to multiple triumphs in a prolific 2022 season. These successes highlight his versatility across various courses and formats, including two playoff decisions and four outright margins that ranged from three to five strokes.[3] The following table enumerates his PGA Tour wins, including the date of conclusion, tournament, and winning margin:| Date | Tournament | Winning margin |
|---|---|---|
| March 6, 2016 | Puerto Rico Open | Playoff (birdie on third extra hole) over Steve Marino |
| August 23, 2021 | The Northern Trust | Playoff (one hole) over Cameron Smith[36] |
| July 24, 2022 | 3M Open | 3 strokes over Sungjae Im and Emiliano Grillo[69] |
| July 31, 2022 | Rocket Mortgage Classic | 5 strokes over Patrick Cantlay, Taylor Pendrith, and David Lipsky[70] |
| November 13, 2022 | Cadence Bank Houston Open | 4 strokes over Tyson Alexander[71] |
| April 30, 2023 | Mexico Open at Vidanta | 3 strokes over Jon Rahm[72] |
Korn Ferry Tour wins (1)
Finau's sole Korn Ferry Tour victory came at the 2014 Stonebrae Classic, held August 1–4 at TPC Stonebrae in Hayward, California.[73] Entering the final round with a one-shot lead, he shot a 4-under-par 66 to finish at 22-under-par 258, setting a tournament record at the time.[74] His round-by-round scores were 67-62-63-66, highlighted by a second-round 62 that included nine birdies.[75] The win came by three strokes over runners-up Fabian Gomez, Zach Sucher, and Daniel Berger, all of whom finished at 19-under-par 261.[75] Finau earned $108,000 for the victory, his first on the tour after turning professional in 2007 and competing primarily on mini-tours and PGA Tour Latinoamérica.[24] This triumph elevated him to eighth on the regular-season money list with $323,362 in earnings from 28 starts, including four top-5 finishes.[76] The Stonebrae Classic performance was pivotal, as it positioned Finau for strong showings in the subsequent Korn Ferry Tour Finals, where he placed 12th overall across the four events to secure his PGA Tour card for the 2015 season.[73]Other wins (2)
Finau recorded two victories on the National Pro Golf Tour (NPGT) during the 2012 season, a developmental mini-tour circuit that provided crucial experience and earnings during his early professional struggles following his 2007 debut. These wins, totaling $44,000 in prize money, helped sustain his career amid financial hardships and the tour's subsequent folding later that year.[23] The following table summarizes his NPGT triumphs:| No. | Date | Tournament | Winning score | To par | Margin of victory | Runner(s)-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apr 2012 | Hall of Fame Classic | 66-67-71-65=269 | −19 | 3 strokes | Ted White (a), Chase Seiffert, Matt Hill |
| 2 | May 2012 | Atlantic Open | 70-67-69-69=275 | −13 | 4 strokes | B.J. Staten |
Playoff record
PGA Tour playoffs
Tony Finau has a playoff record of 2 wins and 3 losses across five PGA Tour playoff appearances, demonstrating his competitiveness in high-pressure closing situations despite a prolonged winless drought between his first and second victories.[3] His debut in a PGA Tour playoff occurred at the 2016 Puerto Rico Open, where he outlasted Steve Marino with a birdie on the third sudden-death hole at the par-5 18th to secure his first career title.[78] Three years later, Finau reached the playoff at the 2019 WGC-HSBC Champions but fell to Xander Schauffele after both parred the first extra hole at Sheshan International Golf Club.[3] Finau's next playoff came at the 2020 Waste Management Phoenix Open, ending in defeat to Webb Simpson, who birdied the second extra hole at TPC Scottsdale while Finau made par.[79] Later that season, at the 2021 Genesis Invitational, he lost to Max Homa on the second playoff hole at Riviera Country Club after a strong final-round rally tied the leaders.[80] Finau broke through for his second playoff victory at the 2021 Northern Trust, the opening event of the FedExCup Playoffs, by holding off Cameron Smith with a par on the lone extra hole at Liberty National Golf Club following a back-nine charge that included six birdies in eight holes.[36]| Year | Tournament | Result | Opponent(s) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Puerto Rico Open | Win | Steve Marino | Won with birdie on 3rd playoff hole (par-5 18th)[78] |
| 2019 | WGC-HSBC Champions | Loss | Xander Schauffele | Lost on 1st playoff hole (par)[3] |
| 2020 | Waste Management Phoenix Open | Loss | Webb Simpson | Lost on 2nd playoff hole (par vs. birdie)[79] |
| 2021 | The Genesis Invitational | Loss | Max Homa | Lost on 2nd playoff hole (par)[80] |
| 2021 | The Northern Trust | Win | Cameron Smith | Won on 1st playoff hole (par)[36] |
Other playoffs
Finau's playoff experience on developmental and mini-tours has been limited, with no recorded participation in playoffs during his 2014 season on the Korn Ferry Tour (then known as the Web.com Tour). His sole victory that year, at the Stonebrae Classic, was secured outright by three strokes after a final-round 66, finishing at 22-under par.[24] On earlier mini-tours such as the NGA Hooters Tour and Gateway Tour, where Finau competed from 2007 to 2013 after turning professional at age 17, his wins were outright victories, resulting in no playoff losses across these lower-level circuits.Performance in major championships
Results timeline
Finau's major championship debut came in 2015 at the U.S. Open, where he finished tied for 14th. He followed with a tied for 10th at the PGA Championship later that year.[3] In 2016, Finau made the cut at The Open Championship, finishing tied for 18th, but missed cuts at the U.S. Open and PGA Championship. The next year, 2017, he tied for 10th at the PGA Championship and tied for 27th at The Open.[3] Finau's 2018 season marked a breakthrough in majors, with his Masters debut resulting in a tied for 10th finish. He contended at the U.S. Open, placing fifth, tied for ninth at The Open Championship, and tied for 50th at the PGA Championship.[3] In 2019, Finau achieved a career-best tied for fifth at the Masters after leading briefly. He missed the cut at the U.S. Open but finished tied for ninth at the PGA Championship and runner-up at The Open Championship, one stroke behind winner Shane Lowry.[3][81] The 2020 season, impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic (with The Open canceled), saw Finau tie for eighth at the U.S. Open and tie for sixth at the PGA Championship, while tying for 38th at the delayed Masters Tournament.[3] In 2021, Finau tied for 10th at the Masters, eighth at the PGA Championship, missed the cut at the U.S. Open, and tied for eighth at The Open Championship. He struggled more in 2022, with finishes of tied for 35th at the Masters, 30th at the PGA, missed cut at the U.S. Open, and tied for 28th at The Open.[3] The 2023 majors brought mixed results: tied for 26th at the Masters, missed cut at the PGA Championship, tied for 32nd at the U.S. Open, and missed cut at The Open. In 2024, he tied for 55th at the Masters, 18th at the PGA, third at the U.S. Open, and missed the cut at The Open.[3][82] In 2025, Finau missed the cut at the Masters with scores of 75-73. He rebounded to tie for 19th at the PGA Championship (rounds of 70-69-69-74). At the U.S. Open, he finished tied for 38th, and tied for 56th at The Open Championship.[3][49]Summary by tournament
Tony Finau has competed in 39 major championships as of November 2025, making the cut in 31 of those appearances for a 79% success rate, though he has yet to secure a victory in any major.[3] His performances demonstrate consistency, with multiple top-10 finishes across the tournaments, particularly in the latter half of his career.| Tournament | Appearances | Cuts Made | Best Finish (Year) | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Masters Tournament | 8 | 7 | T5 (2019) | $1,500,000 |
| U.S. Open | 11 | 7 | T3 (2024) | $1,200,000 |
| The Open Championship | 9 | 7 | 2nd (2019) | $1,000,000 |
| PGA Championship | 11 | 10 | T6 (2020) | $1,800,000 |
