NAPLES, Fla. — Tony Finau had two chances Friday to dispel rumors he could be next to leave the PGA Tour and join LIV Golf, and declined both times.
When first asked about reports he could follow Jon Rahm to the Saudi-financed league, Finau said: “I have nothing to say right now. I haven’t heard anything.”
He was asked again minutes later if he had any response to his name floating around.
“No, not yet,” he said. “I haven’t let anything marinate other than just playing right now.”
Finau had just finished his round with partner Nelly Korda at the 2023 Grant Thornton Invitational where they top the leaderboard after shooting a 16-under 56 at Tiburon Golf Club.
Finau’s agent, Chris Armstrong, told SI.com everything was rumor and speculation. Finau, 34, has won six times on the PGA Tour. He is No. 21 in the Official World Golf Ranking.
Finau and Tyrrell Hatton are among the hottest names rumored to make the jump. Jason Day’s named continues to circulate even after he told the Palm Beach Post that LIV Golf “is still not for me.”
“I know there’s rumors about me going,” he said. “They’re totally false. I don’t know where these rumors start.
“I still struggle to watch LIV. I do like some of the concepts they have. They just haven’t quite nailed either the format or the true excitement of what they’re trying to accomplish.”
Rahm, the No. 3 golfer in the world and reigning Masters champion, announced Thursday on Fox News he is joining LIV. Rahm’s deal reportedly is for more than $300 million over three years with bonuses pushing that number to more than $550 million.
“He made the best decision he felt was right for his family and himself,” Finau said. “I’m happy for him.”