The Heartwarming Reason Tony Finau Isn’t Playing in His Home State This Week

Tony Finau is from Utah, born and raised, and now he raises his own family there. As the PGA TOUR has made its first appearance in the state in 61 years, Finau is absent. 

But there’s a good reason why.

Finau revealed the heartwarming reason he would not play at the Black Desert Championship at the Black Desert Resort in Ivins, Utah.

At the President’s Cup, Finau said the reason would be related to his son, who is in Frisco, Texas, playing in a golf tournament this week:

“I can’t miss my son’s tournament.”

The Finaus have always put family first, it is evident that they are a tight-knit group. Following his wife’s TikTok account is enough proof that the family does everything together as they travel as a group to many of Tony’s PGA TOUR events.

Finau admitted he was “under quite a bit of pressure” to play at the event in Utah. However, it was more important to be there for Jriace, his oldest.

Here’s what Tony Finau’s swing looks like these days when he really opens it up.

206 ball speed. 383-yard carry😳

(via boydsummerhaysgolf / IG) pic.twitter.com/aCE1RKwicf

— Zephyr Melton (@zephyrmelton) August 24, 2021

A golfer with a lot of talent, Tony has been Jraice’s only coach. According to NBC Sports, Tony is considering a change:

“He’s not listening as well as he did when he was younger. That’s exactly how it works. I know exactly how it was. He’s right at that age now where old man doesn’t know what he’s talking about anymore.”

Finau said this with a smile from ear to ear.

Just like his father before him, Tony is hoping to bring a few more talented Finau children to the professional golfing ranks. He feels like Jraice might have a good shot, but knows the situations are very different.

Tony’s talent was his family’s last option as it was hard times for the Finaus when he was young:

“I had to work hard and do those things because I was in a different situation.  felt the pressure as a kid, my parents giving up everything they had for me to perform. My kids don’t feel that pressure. So teaching grit, I don’t know if there is such a thing. But I try to apply enough pressure as a parent to keep him accountable for what he wants to accomplish.”

Tony is a father first, and that is a huge advantage that Jraice must feel to have one of the best golfers in the world in his corner.

Cover Image via Golfweek