Tony Finau did not believe he would win the PGA Tour again. There were moments when near misses were deflating.
Finau stated that he has always had the perseverance to overcome the odds. He also spoke out against the widely-discredited narrative that he didn’t know how to win on the PGA Tour. “I don’t think I ever doubted it would happen. I would swear. However, I was disappointed and angry at times.
Finau is now a winner after more than five years without his first and second wins. He calls this win the most difficult of his career. Finau is now one of the best players on the tour, having won three times and finished in the top 10 three times over the past six months.
Finau stated that he believes winning breeds confidence as he prepares for The American Express tournament, which begins Thursday in La Quinta. “There’s no question. “I feel that I have always been confident. However, winning can bring more confidence. I feel more at ease with my game. My game is as good as it has been throughout my career.”
It wasn’t about Finau’s belief system that he could go from near misses to consistent winners on the Tour. Finau now approaches tournaments like The American Express with a fresh approach to his play, focusing on driving the ball better and having more faith in his putting skills.
Boyd Summerhays walks alongside Tony Finau during a practice round at 2023 American Express at PGA West La Quinta (Calif.) on Tuesday, January 17, 2023. (Photo by Taya Grey/Desert Sun).
How to win
Finau stated that “My game is better but I know how I can prepare better and how to win. This is just because I have had the experience over the past six, seven months having done it multiple time over this period.” My game is certainly better but I am more prepared to win because of the winning experiences I have had over the last six months.
American Express ambassador Finau has been a regular at the La Quinta tournament for the past three years. Even in those early starts, Finau was not able to close the gap. He led the 2021 tournament in the final round, but fell to a weak, but still disappointing fourth. He was 40th last year.
He stated, “That’s always my goal every year I play is just to try and get better.” “I feel like I’ve improved as a player over the years. This year, I feel much more confident than last year.
Finau’s titles since July have helped to erase some the losses he suffered after his 2016 win at the Puerto Rico Open. Finau was often close to winning, only to see another person lift the trophy. His second win came at the FedEx Cup playoffs in 2021 Northern Trust.
Finau said that losing the playoff against Webb Simpson at 2020 Waste Management was a hard loss. He had played only one tournament after that and then there was a 13 week hiatus due to COVID. “So I had to take that loss in and reflect on it for three months. It was the most difficult loss in my professional life.”
He smiled and said, “It was just as if, my children and my family truly don’t know how I feel. That I’m going through it. But they really don’t care.” It was good for me, it humbled me. It really is that important? Even though it was a huge blow to my feelings, I felt like it was a complete shift in my mindset. My wife and my children are fine. They don’t see it as a problem.”
Finau is a goal-setter. He wants to win tournaments, improve his stats, and be able to play better in 2023. Finau’s goal might surprise you: Eat better.
Finau said that one of his main goals was to be as fit as possible off the course. This means eating better. I love food. When I am asked what my dream job would be, I always answer “chef”. It’s because I love cooking and eating. This year, I’d like to eat better.
