Tony Finau releases official statement and sends message to Nelly Korda after pulling out of Grant Thornton Invitational

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Tony Finau has confirmed he won’t be playing in this week’s Grant Thornton Invitational at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida.

The six-time PGA Tour winner was set to team up with Nelly Korda at the unique event, which brings together the best of the men’s and women’s games.

Finau‘s withdrawal comes just weeks after he was heavily linked with a move to LIV Golf. Speculation emerged before the Hero World Challenge, with many suggesting Finau to LIV was a done deal.

But, after Finau pulled out of the Hero World Challenge, the American confirmed his withdrawal was injury-related.

Tony Finau posts statement after latest withdrawal

Finau’s recent withdrawal will likely fuel rumours about a move to LIV. However, the 35-year-old insists that the decision is due to a persistent knee issue.

“I am disappointed to have to withdraw from the Grant Thornton Invitational as I continue to recover from my knee injury,” Finau wrote in an official PGA Tour statement.

“Playing with Nelly in 2023 was one of the highlights of my year. I look forward to cheering her on this week and am thankful for her support and understanding as I work on getting fully healthy. I’m grateful to my partner in Grant Thornton for their support and for diversifying our game by bringing the PGA TOUR and LPGA together in Naples. I look forward to returning to competition in the new year!”

• READ MORE: Grant Thornton Invitational 2024: How to watch, prize money, format and more as PGA Tour and LPGA stars team up

What Tony Finau has said about LIV Golf rumours?

Finau’s withdrawal, albeit down to injury, will still see rumours surrounding his PGA Tour future emerge.

12 months ago, the Salt Lake City native was once again linked with LIV, so the current speculation will be based on some level of truth. Finau, however, insists he’s content with his position on the PGA Tour.

“They’re not true. I’m more than happy where I’m at on the PGA Tour and looking forward to 2025,” Finau told Golf Week. “When I tee it up in Maui, it will all go away, so, I don’t worry about it one bit.”

Finau has yet to confirm his place in the season-opening event at The Sentry, which begins at the start of January.

Once the US Presidents Cup star arrives at the Plantation Course in Hawaii, the LIV speculation will finally come to an end.