Tony Finau to play in Open Championship after Ben Curtis withdraws
Tony Finau, one of the most exciting young golfers in the sport today, just has his ticket to another Open Championship punched
Tony Finau is known as one of the most talented young golfers today. He is also widely regarded is one of the nicest, if not, the nicest player on the PGA TOUR.
Now the power hitting Salt Lake City native will have an opportunity to capture his first major at the Open Championship. 2003 Champion Golfer of the Year, Ben Curtis withdrew from the tournament, opening Royal Birkdale’s gates for Finau.
Finau’s best finish in a major, a T10, came at the 2015 PGA Championship at Whistling Straits. In his only other Open Championship appearance, Finau finished in a tie for 18th.
Finau was humbled by the invite to golf’s oldest major. He sent out this Tweet.
I don't know the circumstances behind Bens Withdrawal but I'm grateful to be playing in another @TheOpen 😁 https://t.co/aPson0JOYy
— Tony Finau Golf (@tonyfinaugolf) July 12, 2017
Tony Finau’s game features two deadly qualities: power and ball striking.
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He ranks within the PGA TOUR top 10 in both driving distance and greens in regulation. Birkdale can be one of the windiest places in golf, so to have that extra strength will certainly be an advantage. Pushing through the wind could help golfers like Finau tackle the track.
As for Curtis, it has been a rough patch for him since we won The Open during his rookie year in 2003. He has missed the cut in seven of the last championships. The last time he made the cut was when he finished in a tie for 64th at the 2013 Open.
Of course, it always sucks to see anyone withdraw, but it is exciting to know that Finau will get another crack at The Open and a major championship title. It’s worth noting that U.S. Open champion Brooks Koepka, like Finau, is a powerful player off the tee, with solid ball striking skills.
A links style design is always a good fit for power type players, so Finau could definitely have a shot. If he could finish within the top 20 in last year’s Open, anything is possible this year.
Not saying that he will win, but with some good Open experience under his belt from last year, he’s not someone to sleep on.
Next: Will Rory McIlroy be ready for the Open?
What are your thoughts on Tony FInau’s second opportunity at the Open? How do you think he will fare at Royal Birkdale? Leave your thoughts in the comments section or hit me up on Twitter @ChiGolfRadio.