Tony Finau looks set to be the headline PGA Tour departure this year as the Salt Lake City native closes in on a move to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf League.
Finau’s withdrawal from the Hero World Challenge has raised suspicion after rumours emerged over the weekend. The American is yet to confirm or deny speculation, although Finau’s wife posted a cryptic TikTok video; clearly, she’s in the know.
The news surrounding Finau has sparked speculation that more big-name PGA Tour players could be set to depart. Viktor Hovland, Hideki Matsuyama, and Adam Scott are just three names who have previously been linked to the PIF-backed league.
Smylie Kaufman, who will naturally support the PGA Tour and its values, has reacted to the Finau news. And, as ever, the Golf Channel pundit was brutally honest.
Smylie Kaufman reacts to Tony Finau LIV Golf exit talk
Speaking on the latest edition of the Smylie Show, Kaufman admitted he’s now growing frustrated with the state of men’s professional golf.
“I find myself being frustrated with the news cycle which is coming out today, with the rumours of Tony Finau potentially going to LIV Golf,” Kaufman said.
| Tony Finau’s PGA Tour wins |
| 2016 Puerto Rico Open |
| 2021 The Northern Trust |
| 2022 3M Open |
| 2022 Rocket Mortgage Classic |
| 2022 Cadence Bank Houston Open |
| 2023 Mexico Open |
“In my head, it’s like the PGA Tour are just sitting ducks year after year. LIV Golf is poaching players, and I am just tired of it. I am ready for it to end. Especially if LIV continues to gain steam. With the DP World Tour letting guys come back and realising that their model with the PGA Tour being a cash flow crutch is not going to be enough, it is scary what some of these fields are going to look like.”
Kaufman went on to suggest that the biggest losers in the saga are the fans.
“The PGA Tour players don’t want the LIV guys to come back. They have it so good right now,” he added.
“They are making so much money; the fields are definitely weaker. Why would they want these players to come back because it’s good for their pockets? It’s good for their pockets on both sides and who gets hurt in all of this? The fans, the networks and the people who cover the game. They get hurt the most.”
The latest on Tony Finau’s move to LIV Golf
Finau’s wife’s cryptic TikTok is the latest piece of news to emerge. Given that the US Presidents Cup star has remained silent thus far, an announcement could soon emerge.
12 months ago, before the 2023 Grant Thornton, Finau was heavily linked with a move to LIV. At the time, the American played down the rumours. “I have nothing to say right now. I haven’t heard anything. I haven’t let anything marinate other than just playing right now,” he said.
If the speculation proves true and Finau moves, Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII will be the most likely destination. Rahm is on the lookout for a new signing and is a good friend of Finau’s.
With Kieran Vincent leaving Legion, Finau coming to join Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton feels more than feasible. Speaking on Finau previously, Rahm said: “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.”
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