After withdrawing from last week's Hero World Challenge, which sparked a flood of LIV Golf rumors on the internet, Tony Finau has decided not to compete in this week's Grant Thornton Invitational.
He hopes to continue his recovery from recent knee surgery he underwent on October 15th. Surgery repaired the damaged meniscus and cleaned up the cartilage. Officials said last week that Finau “will probably be there,” but also said they have contingency plans in place in case Finau isn't ready.
“It's unfortunate that I have to miss the Grant Thornton Invitational as I continue to recover from my knee injury,” Finau said. Statement provided by the PGA Tour.
“Playing with Nelly in 2023 was one of the highlights of my year. I look forward to cheering her on this week and as I strive to be fully healthy. I would like to thank my partner Grant Thornton for her support and understanding and for diversifying our game by integrating the PGA Tour and LPGA in Naples. I look forward to returning to competition in the new year!”
The mixed event, which features stars from the PGA Tour and LPGA, saw Finau and world No. 1 Nelly Korda tie for fourth place a year ago. Korda will now play alongside Daniel Berger, who played on the 2021 U.S. Ryder Cup team.
Berger also went through a lengthy rehabilitation period over the past few years. He missed the 2022 U.S. Open for nearly 18 months due to back complications. He then returned to the PGA Tour in January.
As for Finau, he hopes to return to competition at the Sentry tournament on Maui in the first week of the new year.
Jack Mirko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation's Playing Through. Be sure to check it out @_PlayingThrough Cover more golf. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko In the same way.
