Tony Finau to LIV speculation intensifies after WD

Speculation that Tony Finau could become the latest big name to join the LIV Golf League has just cranked up a very significant notch.

The 35-year-old American has long been linked with a switch to the Saudi-funded circuit but, so far, that move has failed to materialise.

However, that could be about to change in the coming weeks.

Amidst rumours about his future heating up over the last few weeks, Finau has made the surprise decision to withdraw from this week’s Hero World Challenge.

The six-time PGA Tour winner had been in the original field for Tiger Woods’ end-of-season 72-holer in the Bahamas but has since been replaced by Ryder Cup star Sepp Straka.

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No explanation has been given by the tour for Finau’s withdrawal, nor has Finau himself made any comment.

If he does indeed make the move, the most likely landing spot for him would be with Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII.

The Spaniard has an opening on his roster following Kieran Vincent’s relegation last year.

On the course, Finau has had a reasonable 2024, posting five top-ten finishes from 22 PGA Tour starts.

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Whilst he failed to add to his tally of victories, he finished T23 on the FedEx Cup standings and was a captain’s pick for the US team that won the Presidents Cup in September.

Off the course, however, he has been plagued by a lawsuit filed against him by a Utah businessman who claims he is owed over $16million in unpaid expenses, loans and percentages of winnings earned to date.

Finau’s attorneys have argued that the case brought by Molonai Hola should be dismissed because the “alleged verbal agreement” happened more than 16 years ago and the statute of limitations on such an agreement would have caused the agreement to expire.

The case is set to go to court in spring next year.

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