Tony Finau pulls out of Tiger Woods’ PGA Tour event amid links to LIV Golf

Tony Finau Withdraws from Hero World Challenge Amid Renewed LIV Golf Speculation

Tony Finau, one of the PGA Tour’s most prominent players, has withdrawn from this week’s Hero World Challenge, fueling speculation about his potential move to LIV Golf. The 35-year-old, who was initially scheduled to compete in the prestigious event hosted by Tiger Woods, has been replaced by European Ryder Cup star Sepp Straka.

The Hero World Challenge, held at the Albany Golf Course in the Bahamas, features 20 of the PGA Tour’s top players. Finau’s withdrawal, announced just days before the tournament began, has heightened rumors linking him to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf league. These rumors have persisted for over a year, with Finau’s name frequently appearing in discussions about high-profile transfers to the controversial circuit.

Renewed LIV Golf Speculation

The timing of Finau’s decision has added fuel to the fire. The LIV offseason transfer window opened last month, and reports suggest that Finau is a prime target for the league. The speculation intensified after LIV franchise Ripper GC responded to a fan’s social media post about Finau’s potential inclusion in a hypothetical team led by Jon Rahm. The post proposed a lineup featuring Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton, Caleb Surratt, and Finau, to which Ripper GC responded with the eyes emoji—a cryptic yet telling acknowledgment that caught the attention of fans and analysts alike.

Finau has faced similar speculation in the past. In late 2022, rumors swirled about his potential move to LIV Golf, but he publicly affirmed his commitment to the PGA Tour. In a heartfelt statement at the time, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete at the highest level and looked forward to his tenth season on the PGA Tour in 2023. “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,” Finau wrote. “I’m excited for 2024 and looking forward to playing my 10th season on the PGA Tour. Thank you to my partners for your continued support. Thank you to the fans for all the love for our whole Finau fam,” he added, punctuating his message with the hashtag #imnotleaving.

LIV’s Persistent Recruitment Efforts

Despite Finau’s previous loyalty to the PGA Tour, LIV Golf’s recruitment strategy remains aggressive. Last month, Sports Illustrated reported that at least two high-profile players are expected to join LIV by 2025. An unnamed LIV general manager revealed that some players who previously declined lucrative offers from LIV are now reconsidering their decisions. “Two guys that had very big offers that are now calling [us], saying that the worst decision they made was not accepting the offer and coming over,” the source said.

Finau, a six-time PGA Tour winner, has the talent and global appeal that LIV seeks as it continues to disrupt the golf world. His potential defection would be a significant blow to the PGA Tour, especially considering his status as one of its most respected players.

What’s Next for Finau?

As of now, Finau has not publicly addressed his withdrawal from the Hero World Challenge or the renewed LIV Golf rumors. His absence from the event is notable, as it’s one of the PGA Tour’s most exclusive tournaments, featuring only a select group of top-ranked players.

The coming weeks could prove pivotal for Finau’s career trajectory. Whether he ultimately joins LIV or remains committed to the PGA Tour, his decision will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the ongoing rivalry between the two organizations.