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2021 Ryder Cup: Power ranking the top 10 players at Whistling Straits

By Mike Randleman

Ryder Cup mugs which have a list price of $12 at the Ryder Cup Shops at Whistling Straits near Haven, Wis.Mjs She Ryder Cup Shops 26
Ryder Cup mugs which have a list price of $12 at the Ryder Cup Shops at Whistling Straits near Haven, Wis.Mjs She Ryder Cup Shops 26 /
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Sep 2, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Tony Finau plays his shot from the 16th tee during the first round of the Tour Championship golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hagy-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 2, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Tony Finau plays his shot from the 16th tee during the first round of the Tour Championship golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hagy-USA TODAY Sports /

A tight, precision-based course like Le Golf National was far from a good course fit for Tony Finau and many of his compatriots at the 2018 Ryder Cup. The American was one of the few who were able to make a mountain out of a molehill.

Finau posted a 2-1-0 record in Paris, including a 1-1-0 record in foursomes alongside Brooks Koepka. Finau’s biggest feat was his 6&4 singles win over red hot Tommy Fleetwood who steamrolled through the first two days 4-0-0 with Francesco Molinari. It was the largest margin of victory all tournament.

Finau is also in good form leading into Whistling Straits. He nearly automatically qualified for the team, missing out on the top six by one spot.

It was a no-brainer for captain Steve Stricker to give Finau the nod. Finau ended his five-year winless drought last month by winning The Northern Trust in a playoff over Cam Smith.

Finau posted four rounds in the 60s at Liberty National in the win and followed it up with T-15th at the BMW Championship.

Whistling Straits seems to be a great course fit for Finau. He can pummel the ball to the tune of 305.5 yards per drive (31st on the PGA Tour), and that’s leaving plenty in the reserves.

The 32-year-old also has an underrated short game (20th SG around the green, .298) and gained strokes last season in every category.

Finau is also regarded as one of the friendlier guys on tour. His demeanor and ability to pair well with most anyone will be an asset for the red, white and blue, which have plenty of big personalities swirling in the team room.

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