Tony Finau Reportedly In Negotiations To Join LIV Golf
The American could be the next high-profile name to leave the PGA Tour after Rahm's big-money switch on Thursday
Tony Finau could be the latest name to leave the PGA Tour in favour of the LIV Golf League, according to multiple reports.
The Telegraph is claiming Finau has already begun discussions about becoming the second member of Jon Rahm's as-yet-unnamed LIV Golf team - following the Spaniard's extraordinary switch on Thursday - and could be in line for a near-$70 million deal.
The 34-year-old won twice last season - lifting the Houston Open and the Mexico Open - while claiming $5,867,652 in prize money after missing only four cuts. He did only manage one top-10, however, after success in Mexico in late-April and recorded a best finish of T26 at a Major (The Masters).
Finau and Rahm are neighbours in Arizona and regularly practiced together when not competing on the PGA Tour. Should the World No. 21 agree a move, it would see the pair reunited on the 54-hole circuit ahead of the 2024 campaign.
The British newspaper also stated that it understood one of the conditions in Rahm's contract is that the World No. 3 could pick at least one "ally" to play alongside him, but if other reports which suggest several more PGA Tour players are set to follow, then the current Masters champion may be allowed further choice.
GolfWRX's Matt Vincenzi posted on X (formerly Twitter) that Finau will be joining LIV Golf "imminently" before later clarifying he believed confirmation to be a week or two away.
Tony Finau will be joining LIV Golf imminently. Sources have told me that Tyrrell Hatton is also in negotiations as we speak.December 9, 2023
These stories arrived just days after Finau remained tight-lipped over any talk of LIV at the Grant Thornton Invitational, where he is playing with American juggernaut Nelly Korda in the mixed team event.
Get the top Black Friday deals right in your inbox: Sign up now!
The hottest deals and product recommendations during deals season straight to your inbox plus all the best game-changing tips, in-depth features and the latest news and insights around the game.
"I have nothing to say right now. I haven’t heard anything," Finau said when asked about the rumours.
When pressed further if he had any further response, the American said: “No, not yet. I haven’t let anything marinate other than just playing right now.”
Speaking to Sports Illustrated about Rahm's departure, the six-time PGA Tour winner added: “Yeah, I think he made the best decision that he felt was right for his family and himself. I'm happy for him."
Talk about Finau and others potentially moving from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf League comes days before the two tours' respective leaders - Jay Monahan and Yasir Al-Rumayyan - are set to meet for crunch discussions about a potential merger.
The PGA Tour commissioner and PIF boss Al-Rumayyan shook hands on that bombshell deal back in June, but nothing has progressed beyond that framework agreement ahead of the deal's deadline on December 31. With that date fast approaching, the upcoming meeting must produce some kind of breakthrough if that date is not to be extended.
But speaking recently, Monahan suggested he was confident some kind of deal would be completed with the PIF and a third party.
Monahan said: “When this gets finalized, the PGA Tour is going to be in a position that the athletes are owners in their sport, and you've got not only the PIF, but you've likely got another co-investor, with significant experience in business, in sport and brand that's going to help take the PGA Tour to another level and help us take share from other sports and even be more competitive."
Jonny Leighfield is our Staff News Writer who joined Golf Monthly just in time for the 2023 Solheim Cup and Ryder Cup. He graduated from the University of Brighton with a degree in Sport Journalism in 2017 and spent almost five years as the sole sports reporter at his local newspaper. During his time with Golf Monthly, Jonny has interviewed several stars of the game, including Robert MacIntyre, Ian Poulter, and Lee Westwood. An improving golfer himself, Jonny enjoys learning as much about the game as he can and is hoping to reach his Handicap goal of 18 at some stage. He attended both the 150th and 151st Open Championships and dreams of attending The Masters one day.
-
Arron Oberholser Facts: 15 Things To Know About The PGA Tour-Winning Golf Channel Broadcaster
Arron Oberholser left his PGA Tour career behind to take up life as a Golf Channel broadcaster in 2013 – here are 15 things to know about him
By Mike Hall Published
-
LPGA Tour Announces 2025 Schedule
The 2025 LPGA Tour season will have two new events including a visit to Mexico, while the biennial International Crown returns
By Mike Hall Published
-
Opinion: Sergio Garcia Is A No-Brainer Pick For The 2025 Ryder Cup
The all-time leading points scorer looks set to be eligible for the 2025 Ryder Cup after rejoining the DP World Tour
By Elliott Heath Published
-
Sergio Garcia Rejoins DP World Tour
The Spaniard has rejoined the DP World Tour, opening the possibility of him resuming his record-breaking career on the European Ryder Cup team
By Mike Hall Published
-
44 LIV Golfers Confirmed For Saudi International
The majority of LIV's 54-man roster from 2024 are set to play the Asian Tour's season-ending event in Saudi Arabia
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Two LIV Golfers Claim Victory In Worldwide Events As Five Claim Top 10s
Lucas Herbert and Dean Burmester secured victories in New South Wales Open and Vodacom Origins of Golf, as the likes of Tyrrell Hatton and Cameron Smith earned top 10 finishes
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Watch: John Rahm Comes Agonizingly Close To Ace In YouTube Match
The LIV Golf player took on members of the Bob Does Sports YouTube channel in an 18-hole match in Arizona
By Mike Hall Published
-
LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman Hints At Another New Asian Event
The LIV Golf CEO revealed talks with Japan Golf Tour chairman, Yutaka Morohoshi and suggested a Japanese event could be in the pipeline
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
LIV Golf Schedule 2025: What We Know So Far
We know 10 of the 14 LIV Golf events that will be held on the 2025 schedule, including a new trip to Korea and new venue where the individual title will be settled
By Paul Higham Published
-
LIV Golf Announces Inaugural Korea Tournament In 2025 Schedule Update
The big-money circuit will visit South Korea for the first time in the 2025 season, while there will also be a stop at a new venue in Indiana
By Mike Hall Published