Tony Finau has had a successful PGA Tour season, but is missing a victory, and would like to rectify that at this week’s A Military Tribute at The Greenbrier. The 28-year-old believes The Old White TPC could be the place to break the streak.
Oddsmakers tend to agree with him. The Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook has him as the 14/1 favorite. Bubba Watson, Phil Mickelson, and Webb Simpson are next at 16/1.
“I really enjoy being here,” Finau told reporters on Tuesday. “The Greenbrier is fantastic and it’s got a great vibe to it, kind of like an old-school vibe. The golf course is really nice and I just really enjoy being here. I think the area is really cool and quite a bit different than where I grew up and I think I kind of like that.”
His previous results back up his enthusiasm. He has played here twice, finishing tied for 13th in 2015, and tied for seventh last year.
“I feel good about this week,” Finau said. “I like the golf course a lot. It’s actually a stat I didn’t know. I didn’t know I’ve never shot over par here. So I enjoy the golf course, and I look forward to the week, coming off a couple weeks off, I feel fresh mentally and physically.”
Hunting for Victory
While Finau hasn’t won a PGA Tour event since the 2016 Puerto Rico Open, his finishes, both this season and last, have been impressive. In 2017 he had nine top 10s, including a tie for seventh at the season ending Tour Championship.
This year, he has posted seven finishes at a tie for 10 or better, including a tie for 10th at the Masters, and a fifth-place at the US Open. The US Open was the last tournament he played, and he believes it gave him confidence going forward.
“Coming off that experience, I feel ready to compete, not only this week, but for the rest of the season,” Finau said. “I think it’s going to give me some good confidence going into the rest of our season.”
Watson Rested, Ready to Go
Another player that took some time off is Watson, who after winning the Travelers Championship June 24, rested for a week and is ready to get back to work. Watson, who is the first three-time winner on tour this year, has made the cut four times at this course, but his highest finish is a tie for 13th in 2015. Last year he finished tied for 70th.
Watson is so enamored with the Greenbrier resort, he bought property here for a second home. Now he would like to be able to put a trophy on his mantle.
“My expectation is always trying to win,” Watson said. “That’s why we’re always in the field. All the guys here are trying to win. I feel good. I had a week off. Haven’t really played any golf. So I snuck out and hit some tee shots on the Old White the last few days, so I’m looking forward to it.”