Tony Finau DENIES reports that he’s leaving PGA Tour for LIV Golf

It appears as though Tony Finau will NOT be joining LIV Golf after all. 

The Ryder Cup star has taken to social media to address speculation that he could be next to join the Saudi-funded golf league – and the hashtag he used to sign off speaks for itself.

In a post shared on his Instagram account, the six-time PGA Tour winner wrote: “The 2023 season is in the books! It was a special and incredible season highlighted with a win at the Mexico Open. It was my sixth win on the PGA Tour.

“Another highlight was reaching the tour championship for the 7th year in a row!As this year comes to an end I’m grateful to play the game that I love and to have the opportunity to compete at the highest level.”

• McIlroy fires dig at LIV’s Henrik Stenson over Ryder Cup sacking

• McEwan: Why has Jon Rahm joined LIV? It’s really not that difficult…

He added: “I’m excited for 2024 and looking forward to playing my 10th season on the PGA Tour! And stoked to be defending in both Mexico and Houston!

“Thank you to my partners for your continued support. Thank you to the fans for all the love for our whole Finau fam.See y’all in Maui!“

Finau concluded his update with this hashtag: “#imnotleaving”

The news pours cold water on speculation that the American was close to joining the LIV Golf line-up for 2024 to sign with Jon Rahm’s new franchise. He and Rahm are close friends who regularly play practice rounds together at the exclusive Silverleaf Golf Club in Scottsdale, where they both live.

• Rory McIlroy calls for Ryder Cup change after Rahm’s LIV move

• PGA Tour selects potential US investor ahead of Saudi merger deadline

Asked about the prospect by Sports Illustrated during the Grant Thornton Invitational last weekend, Finau was coy but non-committal in his reply.

“I haven’t let anything marinate other than just playing right now,” he said.

Pressed for his thoughts on Rahm’s money-spinning switch, he added: “I think he made the best decision that he felt was right for his family and himself. I’m happy for him.”

Of course, it should be pointed out that plenty of other players – not least Rahm – have pledged their fealty to the PGA Tour only to perform an about-turn. Finau’s post, however, would appear to be unequivocal.

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor