Tony Finau is increasingly being linked with a LIV Golf move (Image: PGA TOUR)
Speculation has intensified over ’s long-awaited move to the . The 35-year-old American is yet to make the leap to the Saudi-backed tour despite persistent links.
But Finau’s sudden on December 2 – after being confirmed for the event just days earlier – without any clear reason provided by either the PGA Tour or Finau himself has fuelled rumours of an imminent switch.
It comes just as on ‘s LIV team, Legion XIII. And with five top-10 finishes this season, including a second place at the Texas Children’s Houston Open, Express Sport delves into Finau’s potential move to LIV, as well as his relationship with Rahm, net worth and previous remarks about the rebel circuit.
Jon Rahm relationship
Finau is close friends with two-time major champion Rahm. The pair first became friends while training at the Silverleaf golf club in Scottsdale, Arizona, before the 30-year-old Spaniard controversially teamed up with LIV last December.
Rahm praised the 35-year-old’s character, stating: “If you don’t get along with Tony Finau, there is something wrong with you. If he’s not the nicest, he’s tied for the nicest person I know.
“Top one for sure and he’s just a fun guy – nice to be around. When it comes to golf, we’re both extremely competitive. We have a great friendship, we clicked right away but that competitiveness drives both of us to play better. And obviously, unless I’m playing with him on the golf course, I want to see him win.”
Finau also had high praise for his fellow golfer, saying: “Jon’s a great individual. We’re both members at Silverleaf in Scottsdale, Arizona, and I got to know him really well there. We played a lot of golf together, and what a great kid and that’s what I thought to myself.
Finau could join his friend Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII team (Image: Getty Images)
“I said, ‘I don’t know if a lot of people see this side of Jon’. They see that he’s very fiery, he’s very competitive, and they see that nature in him. He’s such a kind human. He’s a very generous person and I enjoy being around him.”
While many seasoned professionals criticised PGA Tour defectors who have switched to LIV Golf since its inception, Finau showed support for Rahm after he announced he would be making the move in December 2023.
More recently, Rahm revealed that he hopes to convince a number of golfers to join him in the newer promotion, with fans speculating that Finau could be one player who leaves the PGA Tour with a little persuasion from Rahm.
Commenting on the open spot on his team to , the Spaniard revealed: “I still don’t have a player who’s already signed but we have six or seven in mind.” Finau, however, may remain loyal to the PGA Tour and turn down lucrative approaches from LIV.
Net worth
Should he join up with the Saudi-backed circuit, Finau would rake in serious money, adding to his already hefty net worth. As of February 2024, Spotrac reported that Finau’s earnings over his 17 years as a pro totalled a staggering £40.4million ($51.2m).
Until that point, he had pocketed £30m ($38m) from official tournaments and bagged an additional £1m ($1.3m) from non-official contests. He had also earned £3.9m ($5m) through the Player Index Program. His biggest year in the sport, meanwhile, was 2022, claiming £4.8m ($6.1m) from official events and a total of £11m ($13.9m)
Last year, Finau bolstered his fortune by £6.2m ($7.8m), which included a win at the Mexico Open at Vidanta, which pocketed him £1m ($1.3m). He received £1m ($1m) in 2023 and $1.4m in 2022 from the Comcast Business Tour Top 10. In addition, the Player Index Program paid out £3.9 ($5m) more in 2022.
Finau has accumulated £40.4m in career earnings (Image: Getty Images,)
LIV Golf statement
His wife Alayna Finau has commented since the LIV links re-emerged (Image: Getty Images)
Finau has mentioned LIV Golf several times in the past, most notably when he failed to shut down a move in late 2023 after Rahm’s switch. Opening up on rumours linking him to the breakaway league, Finau told reporters at the Grant Thornton Invitational in Naples, Florida: “I have nothing to say right now. I haven’t heard anything. I haven’t let anything marinate other than just playing right now.”
While Finau didn’t dismiss the idea of a possible switch, he had nothing but kind words for Rahm on the back of his decision. “Yeah, I think he made the best decision that he felt was right for his family and himself,” he said. “I’m happy for him.”
Just days later, Finau put an end to the swirling rumours by sharing on his commitment to the PGA Tour for the upcoming season. He wrote: “As this year comes to a close, I am grateful to play the game I love and have the opportunity to compete at the highest level. I am excited for 2024 and eager to play my 10th season on the PGA Tour! #imnotleaving.”
With rumours rampant again only a year on, his wife Alayna Finau has chimed in with her own statement relating to LIV Golf, dropping a new video addressing the ongoing drama and speculation. “My life is complicated enough. The last thing I need is more drama,” she said in the video.