Tony Finau Admits He Misses LIV Golf Players
The PGA Tour player told TMZ Sports he's not seen his friends who joined the rival circuit in a year


Ever since the emergence of LIV Golf, there have been questions over whether there is any animosity between players who opted to join circuit and those on other tours.
It was a subject that came into even greater focus in the build-up to January’s Dubai Desert Classic, where Rory McIlroy admitted his friendship with Sergio Garcia can’t be rekindled.
One player who doesn’t have any hard feelings, though is Tony Finau. The American spoke to TMZ Sports while he was competing in last week WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale and was asked: “Tony, are you still cool with the LIV guys?” He responsed: “Yeah, oh yeah.”
Finau was then asked who he misses the most, and he replied: “A lot of the international guys I miss – Carlos Ortiz, Abraham Ancer." Then he revealed: "Brooks Koepka’s one of my closest guys on Tour,“ before saying: “I haven’t seen them in literally, like, a year.” When the reporter responded: “Damn, that sucks,” Finau simply admitted: “I know, it does.”
Over a year ago, Finau admitted he'd had an approach from the Saudi-backed organisation, and seemed open-minded about his future at the time, saying: “I mean, yeah, I've been approached just like I think most top guys, as you would expect. I don't have a stance on it yet. I think we're just like everyone, don't really know what's going on with that. But I'm grateful to be on the PGA Tour, it's been an honour for me to have an opportunity to play and display my talent in front of the world on a tour like the PGA Tour, so much history there.”
In the end, he stayed with the PGA Tour and enjoyed a remarkable 2022, where he claimed three victories. This year has not started badly for the 33-year-old either, with two top-10 finishes from his four appearances as his PGA Tour career continues to flourish.
Thankfully for Finau, he shouldn’t have too long to wait until he runs into some of his friends from the PGA Tour's rival. Augusta National announced in December that it will allow LIV Golf players to compete in The Masters. Two of the players Finau mentioned he misses – Ancer and Koepka – qualified, meaning a long overdue catch-up is now less than two months away.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.

Mike has over 25 years of experience in journalism, including writing on a range of sports throughout that time, such as golf, football and cricket. Now a freelance staff writer for Golf Monthly, he is dedicated to covering the game's most newsworthy stories.
He has written hundreds of articles on the game, from features offering insights into how members of the public can play some of the world's most revered courses, to breaking news stories affecting everything from the PGA Tour and LIV Golf to developmental Tours and the amateur game.
Mike grew up in East Yorkshire and began his career in journalism in 1997. He then moved to London in 2003 as his career flourished, and nowadays resides in New Brunswick, Canada, where he and his wife raise their young family less than a mile from his local course.
Kevin Cook’s acclaimed 2007 biography, Tommy’s Honour, about golf’s founding father and son, remains one of his all-time favourite sports books.
-
Andrew Novak And Ben Griffin Seal Maiden PGA Tour Titles At Zurich Classic Of New Orleans
The duo held off the challenges of Rasmus and Nicolai Hojgaard and Frank Capan III and Jake Knapp to win the TPC Louisiana team tournament
By Mike Hall
-
Mao Saigo Claims Maiden Major Title At Chevron Championship Title After Thrilling Five-Way Sudden Death Playoff
The Japanese star made a birdie on the first extra hole at The Club at Carlton Wood as her four challengers faltered
By Mike Hall
-
Tiger Woods Heads 8 Golfers To Make All Time Rich List Of Top 50 Highest Paid Athletes
Tiger Woods is the second highest paid athlete of all time behind only Michael Jordan in a new top 50 rich list from Sportico
By Paul Higham
-
Rory McIlroy And Shane Lowry Explain Golf Ball Tactics For Zurich Classic Foursomes
Defending Zurich Classic of New Orleans champions Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry explained how they go about picking which golf ball to use in foursomes
By Paul Higham
-
'I’ve Never Seen Someone Hit A Driver That Good. He Played So Freaking Good. And You Almost Feel Like, How Do I Compete With That?' - Akshay Bhatia Wowed By McIlroy's Masters Display
Akshay Bhatia lavished praise on Rory McIlroy's game at the Masters after playing the opening two rounds alongside the eventual champion at Augusta
By Paul Higham
-
‘I Spoke To Two Presidents The Day After’ – Rory McIlroy Reflects On 'Absolutely Amazing' Reaction To Masters Win
The five-time Major winner revealed he had spoken to two presidents in the aftermath of completing the career Grand Slam at The Masters
By Mike Hall
-
Zurich Classic Of New Orleans Prize Money Payout 2025
Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry defend their title as players compete for a record purse in the unique team competition
By Mike Hall
-
Rory McIlroy Career Grand Slam Celebrated With Royal Mail Postmark
Rory McIlroy's Masters win, which made him the sixth player to complete the career Grand Slam, was celebrated with a special postmark by the Royal Mail
By Mike Hall
-
9 Things Rory McIlroy Still Has Left To Achieve In His Career
After becoming one of just six players ever to complete the career Grand Slam, what else could Rory McIlroy realistically achieve before retirement?
By Jonny Leighfield
-
Rory McIlroy Invited To Old Trafford By Manchester United Boss Ruben Amorim After Masters Victory
Following on from his Masters victory, McIlroy has received an invitation from Manchester United manager, Ruben Amorim, to show off his Green Jacket at Old Trafford
By Matt Cradock