Tony Finau shuts down LIV Golf rumors after withdrawing from 2024 Hero World Challenge
6-time PGA Tour winner Tony Finau has denied the rumors of him joining LIV Golf after he dropped out of the 2024 Hero World Challenge.
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Tony Finau (Image via Sporting News)
A few days ago, the golf community was left surprised as reports of Tony Finau being in negotiations with LIV Golf surged up. This came after he was replaced from the 2024 Hero World Challenge. The 6-time PGA Tour champion has now shut down these rumors.
The 35-year-old golfer has been linked with a big-money move to the Saudi-funded league for a long time. Last year, reports emerged that he could join Jon Rahm in his newly formed team.
Despite making 22 cuts in 24 starts, Finau failed to find himself in the winners’ circle in 2024. This led to further speculation that he was keen on a move to LIV as the 54-hole circuit aims to expand to 14 teams from the 2025 season.
The American international though has denied any such talks. In an interview with Adam Schupak of Golfweek, Finau dubbed these talks as “not true.”
He further informed that he underwent knee surgery in October to repair his torn meniscus and remove a cartilage from his left knee and thus decided to sit out from this event.
From what my doctor told me it was pretty standard clean-up. He said it would be helpful and so I did it. They’re not true. I’m more than happy where I’m at on the PGA Tour and looking forward to 2025. When I tee it up in Maui, it will all go away, so, I don’t worry about it one bit.
Tony Finau said as per Golfweek
??? #NOT LEAVING — Tony Finau confirms that won’t be going to LIV Golf and missed the Hero due to a recent meniscus procedure. Asked about the rumors: "They're not true” and "not credible”, he said. @FinauLegion
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) December 4, 2024
“I'm more than happy where I'm at on the PGA Tour and looking… pic.twitter.com/krXTWU9KIR
Finau has been a regular participant in the Hero World Challenge in recent seasons. The 2023 edition marked the third straight year where he competed in this event. He eventually finished the event tied for fourth position, five strokes behind winner Scottie Scheffler.
With this injury, he will unfortunately not be able to take part in the event this year. He has been replaced by Austrian golfer Sepp Straka in the 20-man playing field for this tournament.
Tony Finau confident of being ready to compete on the PGA Tour in January 2025
In the phone interview with Golfweek, Tony Finau opened up about the issues his knees have caused him. The golfer claimed that his knees had bothered him all season but he waited till the conclusion of the Presidents Cup to have surgery on them. Despite this setback, he is confident of being ready to compete on the PGA Tour in January 2025.
Finau expressed that he has trouble getting out of bunker shots and putting pressure on the leg due to this. However, he is happy with the progress of his knee after the surgery.
That’s my biggest issue right now. I’ll go over and practice the next couple of days and see how I feel and make a decision. The last couple of seasons have been kind of rough with my knees. I’m optimistic about this coming season about being more fully healthy than ever.
Tony Finau said
He is currently scheduled to tee off at the Grant Thorton Invitational alongside LPGA star Nelly Korda. Last season the duo teed off together in this event and finished T4, three shots behind winners Lydia Ko and Jason Day. This year his participation in this event is 50-50 for now.
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Vinay Dave
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