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2021 The American Express: Top 10 power rankings

By Mike Randleman

Adam Hadwin hits out of the bunker on the 18th hole of the Stadium Course at PGA West during the Desert Classic, January 20, 2019.Desert Classic Sunday 14
Adam Hadwin hits out of the bunker on the 18th hole of the Stadium Course at PGA West during the Desert Classic, January 20, 2019.Desert Classic Sunday 14 /
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Jan 18, 2020; La Quinta, California, USA; Tony Finau watches his shot from the fourth tee during the third round of The American Express golf tournament on the Stadium Course at PGA West. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2020; La Quinta, California, USA; Tony Finau watches his shot from the fourth tee during the third round of The American Express golf tournament on the Stadium Course at PGA West. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

Tony Finau skipped The American Express from 2017-19, but it might be back on his regular schedule. He finished T-14th (69-62-71-66) a year ago. His 62 tied the course record at PGA West’s Nicklaus course.

The Utahan tied for second in greens in regulation (77.78%) but couldn’t get anything to drop. Shave a few strokes on the greens and he’s contending.

Finau remembers coming to PGA West for Q School. He enjoys the fact that he’s now here as an accomplished pro with plenty of job security.

“I’m very familiar with this golf course, Nicklaus and the Stadium. I played qualifying school here in 2013, so I’ve got, I’ve always got good vibes coming back here, great memories of a cool time for me,” Finau was transcribed in 2020 by ASAP Sports. “So I think anytime that’s the case and you’re familiar with the golf course, you can shoot some good rounds.”

Finau came into last year’s The American Express straight from the Hong Kong Open. Jet lag won’t be a factor as Finau took last week off.

He finished T-31st at the Tournament of Champions. That broke the trend from how he played the last four months of 2020. Starting with a solo fifth at the BMW Championship in August, Finau recorded six top-25s in seven starts.

His length should be an asset here as he was 1th in driving distance on the PGA Tour last season and 32nd in strokes gained off the tee (.341). Birdies are a must at PGA West, which Finau supplied at the 18th best rate (4.19).

The 31 year old has played well in California with a pair of runner-up finishes at Riviera as well as one at the Safeway Open.

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