Atlanta, GA (September 21, 2018) —When Tiger Woods’ 28-footer curled into the cup for an earth-shaking eagle on the 18th hole, it enabled the two-time Tour Championship winner to grab the headlines with a five-under-par 65 and share the first-round lead of the season-ending event at East Lake GC.
It also provided the big noise during an event more known for its big yawns caused by football-both college and professional—which usually swallows all the potential exuberance of even the most faithful followers of the PGA tourists. Often the 30 players who advanced through the FedEx Cup Playoffs to the finale have made reservations for their post-season escapes to parts unknown.
This year, however, there is ample incentive for some of the players to continue making noise and put vacation plans on hold. Most importantly, those in the field hoping to maintain momentum heading into the Ryder Cup should be among the group of noisemakers.
Tony Finau, who along with Woods is Ryder Cup Captain Jim Furyk’s pick on the U.S. Team, is one of them. Overshadowed by Woods’ crowd-pleasing first round, Finau quietly shot 67 for a T-5, continuing his impressive season.
“It’s been a great year for me,’’ Finau said, “a solid year, a year where I’ve learned a lot about myself. Just playing events and competing and playing at a high level and just being consistent throughout the year is something that I’m pretty proud of. It’s been a great year. And whenever you’re back here at East Lake, one of 30 guys, you know you’re doing the right things, and you’re playing good golf throughout the season and playing good golf when it counts.’’
Lost in Finau’s model of consistency is perhaps his most embarrassing moment during a celebration-turned-nightmare. You might remember that he was so pumped after making a hole-in-one during the Masters Par-3 Tournament that he severely injured an ankle. Popping it back in place on the spot, Finau played on and, instead of withdrawing from the Masters, the gamer competed admirably (T-10).
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Playing through pain contributed to his toughness displayed both physically and mentally this season.
“I’ve learned I’m pretty tough ,’’ Finau said. “I feel like my threshold for pain is pretty high, and I learned that during the Masters. My ankle was bothering me quite a bit, but I was able to play through that pain and still prove to myself, just inside, that I had it more than physically. I was able to allow myself to continue to play and ended up having a good week because of that.’’
The Masters finish proved a springboard to several other near-misses this season but no break-through win. In the meantime, he’ll continue to ride the wave, including playing a practice round this week with his idol, one Tiger Woods.
“Yesterday was pretty special for me because it’s the first time I ever played with him in a practice round, tournament, whatever the case may be,” Finau said. “I’ve been on Tour four years now, and that’s the first time I ever had the chance to play with him—again, my golfing idol. That was a special day for me yesterday to play with him, pick his brain a little bit, and just get to know him a little bit better. It’s going to be cool for us to get to know each other throughout this week, throughout next week and in the (Ryder Cup) team room.’’
Finau would be surprised if he and Woods were paired together during the Ryder Cup, but wouldn’t rule it out either. As for now, the focus is on a break-through win and the big bank that would come with a FedEx Cup Playoffs championship.
“I know that I’m trending in the right direction, if you will, and I feel like the wins will follow,’’ he said. “So I just continue to do what we’re doing.’’
Hopefully, that includes making some noise of his own this week.
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Pete McDaniel is a veteran golf writer and best-selling author. His blogs and books are available at petemcdaniel.com
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