Ryder Cup: Breaking down each member of Team USA

WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, PA - SEPTEMBER 04: U.S. Ryder Cup Team Captain Jim Furyk announces Bryson DeChambeau, Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods as the Captain's Picks for the 2018 U.S. team during a press conference at the Philadelphia Marriott West on September 4, 2018 in West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

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AKRON, OH – AUGUST 04: Tony Finau plays his shot from the second tee during World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational – Round Three at Firestone Country Club South Course on August 4, 2018 in Akron, Ohio. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /

Tony Finau was chosen for his first Ryder Cup as a Captain’s pick. He wasn’t a given to be chosen, as he was 15th in points when the decision was made. That doesn’t mean he isn’t deserving, as he had plenty of good finishes in 2018. Two second place finishes, and a tie for second narrowly kept him out of the winner’s circle, and a likely automatic bid.

Finau might be the most athletic guy in the tournament. It runs in his family, as he has multiple cousins that play professional sports. Haloti Ngata and Sione Pouha in the NFL, and Jabari Parker in the NBA.

Finau took a much different path to get here as well, one that likely has prepared him well. At 17, he turned pro to compete in the Las Vegas Ultimate Game Match Play competition. He chose to do this over going to BYU or Utah.

He also found himself on Golf Channel’s “Big Break” reality series in 2009, alongside his brother Gipper. With his experience playing high stakes golf early on, he should be prepared for the bright lights of the Ryder Cup. Finau is one of three U.S. Ryder Cup golfers with no experience. His path to the pros, along with a marvelous 2018 campaign, should help him look like a seasoned vet in France.

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