2022 RSM Classic: Top 10 Power Rankings at Sea Island

Remember when Tony Finau couldn’t close out golf tournaments?

A fair criticism is that he still has room for improvement in the majors, but he’s beginning to pick off PGA Tour wins in rapid succession. After winning in the 2021 FedEx Cup Playoffs and twice in back-to-back weeks this summer, Finau’s already got a ‘W’ in the young 2022-23 campaign last week at the Cadence Bank Houston Open.

Finau co-led after round one at Memorial Park and took it wire-to-wire with a dominating four-shot victory at 16-under-par. It could have been higher had he not coasted home on the back nine Sunday with three bogeys.

Finau posted rounds of 65-62-68-69 and went out in 31 in the final round. The big man from Utah beat third place by five shots and those in a tie for fourth by eight.

"“I won this golf tournament from start to finish,” Finau was transcribed by Tee Scripts. “I don’t know if I’ve done that in my career, maybe at Rocket Mortgage, but to have played that well for four straight days, that’s what it’s all about and all the hard work is starting to pay off, which is fun.”"

Unsurprising was Finau’s great ball-striking week. He ranked fourth in strokes gained tee to green (10.683) and was second in SG off the tee (4.23). Surprising was him also coming second in SG putting (7.931) and putts per green in regulation (1.643).

Finau’s going to rack up a ton of top-10s and top-25s, but a hot putter is usually the difference in turning those into victories.

The 33-year-old shook off a missed cut the week prior at the World Wide Technology Championship at Mayakoba. That was the only blemish in recent memory.

Finau previously owned a streak of seven top-28 finishes in a row that included his wins at the 3M Open and Rocket Mortgage Classic. He also starred for the American Presidents Cup team, going 3-1-0 and cruising past Taylor Pendrith in singles.

I’m surprised to see him play for a third week in a row. This is also Finau’s first RSM Classic appearance since earning T-14th in 2014.

I don’t think he’s the type to get too worse for the wear after a win, so let’s see if the heater can continue for one more week.