Tony Finau denies rumors linking him to LIV Golf- "They're not true”
Tony Finau has categorically denied rumors that he is leaving to LIV Golf. The rumors gained momentum a few days ago when he withdrew from the 2024 Hero World Challenge field.
Finau told Golfweek that the reason he will not be playing in the Bahamas starting Thursday (Dec. 5), is because he is recovering from knee surgery. He also assured that he is "more than happy" playing on the PGA Tour.
This was part of what Tony Finau said about the rumors linking him to LIV Golf:
"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."
According to the Golfweek report, Finau called the authors of the rumors "random people" and "not credible".
Regarding his knee surgery and subsequent recovery process, Finau explained that he has been suffering from knee problems for the past two seasons. On the recommendation of his doctor, he underwent surgery on October 15 to repair a torn meniscus and remove cartilage in his left knee.
Tony Finau also said that he waited until the last moment to withdraw from the Hero World Challenge because he had a chance to recover, but ultimately did not. Finau assured that he received full understanding from Tiger Woods, the host of the event.
Tony Finau and his connection to LIV Golf
This is not the first time that Tony Finau has been linked to LIV Golf. In late 2023, his name was floated around the golf world as one of those who would supposedly follow Jon Rahm to the breakaway league.
These rumors cited, among other things, the well-known friendship between Finau and Rahm, who are both known to reside in Scottsdale, Arizona, and even occasionally practice together.
However, before the end of 2023, Finau himself denied such rumors, posting on his Instagram account that he would continue to play on the PGA Tour. At the time, the top player following Rahm was another of his friends, Englishman Tyrrell Hatton.
Finau's return to competitive golf
Tony Finau is still scheduled to play in the Grant Thornton Invitational, which will be held from December 13-15 at Tiburon Golf Club in Florida. He will be teaming up there with Nelly Korda, with whom Finau shares ambassador status with title sponsor Grant Thornton.
The 6-time PGA Tour winner assured Golfweek that his recovery process from knee surgery would be complete by the time he tees off at The Sentry, the inaugural event of the 2024 season. That tournament will be played from January 2-5, 2025, at the Plantation Course in the Kapalua Resort, Maui, Hawaii.