| A year ago, Tony Finau finished runner-up at the Mexico Open, losing to Jon Rahm by a shot. This year, playing alongside Rahm in the final group on Sunday in Mexico, Finau flipped the script, outdueling the World No. 1 and Masters champ to clinch his sixth career PGA Tour victory and fourth since tying for second a year ago. For a guy who, until this past year, had been critiqued for failing to close out tournaments, it was further validation that Finau hides a killer instinct behind his friendly grin.
Last summer, Golf Digest spent time with Finau in his home state of Utah, where we broke the news to him that he finished first on our Tour Nice Guys Ranking, and his reaction was wonderfully modest. Finau opened up to Golf Digest Editorial Director Max Adler about how he stays humble and approachable while keeping a competitive fire to beat the world’s best.
“I have no issue telling a guy ‘nice shot’ because saying those words doesn’t affect me. I actually like seeing quality shots because it gives me good mojo,” says Finau, who also adds, “You have to be selfish when it comes to winning because you have a short window to do it.”
For more on how nice-guy Finau strikes this balance, as well as his candid explanation for why he’s not playing on LIV Golf, check out Adler’s complete interview with the now six-time tour winner. |
