PGA TOUR Set to Lose Another Star to LIV Golf

The PGA TOUR is set to lose another star to LIV Golf in Tony Finau.

Finau was set to play the Hero World Challenge this coming weekend in the Bahamas. The event is hosted by Tiger Woods every year and includes an exclusive list of golfers that are invited.

Finau was one of the golfers who planned to play in the event, but he has officially withdrawn from the event and will be replaced by Sepp Straka.

Field for the 2024 Hero World Challenge pic.twitter.com/1rUpRm9zTX

— PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) December 2, 2024

Finau did not give a reason for the decision, but many believe it is a sign of things to come for the Utah native.

Before the start of this past PGA TOUR season, Finau was speculated to be one of several golfers who would defect and leave for LIV Golf. After some time, Finau eventually denied the rumors and posted on his official Instagram page that he would be staying on the PGA TOUR.

It seems as if Finau might be looking to get a large payday from LIV as negotiations between the PGA TOUR and the Saudi PIF, LIV Golf’s financier, continue and appear to be close.

Justin Thomas, who was a tournament exemption, is now in the field automatically.

Cover Image via PGA TOUR