Tony Finau Talks About Jon Rahm’s Signing and the LIV Rumors: “I’m Glad for Him.”

Tony Finau Talks About Jon Rahm’s Signing and the LIV Rumors: “I’m Glad for Him.”

It is often known that Tony Finau and Jon Rahm are good buddies. Both of them are members to the Silverleaf Club, in Scottsdale, Arizona, and they regularly play practice rounds together.

Finau’s excitement for his partner, who recently inked a purported nine-figure contract on behalf of Saudi-funded LIV Golf, is understandable given this.

On Thursday, Rahm’s announcement to quit the PGA Tour stunned the golf community. It also hinted to the possibility of further LIV signings.

Finau, who is leading in the Grant Thornton Invitational with partner Nelly Korda, told the publication on Friday afternoon, “Yeah, I think he made an excellent decision that he thought was right for his relatives and himself.”

On the team-format tour, Rahm will captain his own four-man side; how he completes his roster is a mystery. Rahm declined to say whether he will captain an existing club or a new one at a meeting of reporters on Thursday night.

But it’s almost a given that a 13th team, led by Rahm, will be unveiled as the 12 LIV teams currently have acting captains as well as will shortly have complete rosters.

Rahm stated in a conference call with reporters that he made his decision based on a significant financial offer and the fact that he thought LIV Golf would only get better while he was in New York City on a flurry of activities with LIV Golf management.

He clarified that it was unrelated to the framework agreement for is being negotiated between the Public Investment Fund from Saudi Arabia, the PGA Tour, and the DP World Tour, adding that he had no idea where the arrangement stood and that all he was hoping for was that the parties could work together to promote golf.

“In the past two years, there has been an enormous amount of evolution in the game of golf,” Rahm stated.

“I’ve witnessed the expansion of LIV Golf and the innovation, and things have evolved significantly, just like I have. We are here now for that reason.”

The 29-year-old Rahm declined to discuss the deal’s length or financial details, but he did acknowledge that the offer was a big factor in his decision to move forward and that it was one of the main ones. Rahm is the current Masters champion.

He is reportedly receiving annual wages, a nine-figure cash offer, and 25 percent equity in an undisclosed LIV squad. I accepted it since, among other things, it was an excellent offer. They gave me the opportunity to consider it, and I did just that.”

“I decided not to make some things public because of numerous reasons,” he stated. “What I felt was most beneficial to me. Please understand that this is a big deal.

Regarding the format, Rahm stated: “I find it incredibly alluring given its growth, how it’s developed into a sizable industry, and how it can positively affect golf. Nothing in this world is flawless.

Having said that, it’s a machine that never stops evolving. I’m hoping that LIV Golf’s executives will take heed of my counsel and implement some adjustments for the benefit of the sport going forward.”

Finau had just completed his round at the Grant Thornton Invitational with partner Nelly Korda, when the two of them shot a 16-under-56 to lead the field.

“I know there’s rumors regarding me going,” he replied. “They are completely untrue. I have no idea where these rumors originated.

Chris Armstrong, Finau’s representative, said to SI.com that all of the information was conjecture. On the PGA Tour, Finau, 34, won six times. In the global rankings, he is ranked No. 21.

Tyrrell Hatton of Britain and Finau are two of the most attractive people tipped to make the move.

The rumors about Jason Day are still circulating, despite his statement to The Palm Beach Post claiming LIV Golf “is still not for me.”

“Watching LIV still gives me trouble. Some of their concepts are appealing to me. They simply haven’t quite mastered the structure or the genuine thrill of what they’re attempting to achieve.”

Rahm, the current Masters winner and No. 3 player in the world, revealed his decision to join LIV on Fox News on Thursday.

According to reports, Rahm’s contract is worth about $300 million spread over three years, and bonuses could increase that amount to nearly $550 million.