Tony Finau’s Battle at the 125th U.S. Open
Tony Finau, a familiar face in the golfing world and a cherished athlete from Utah, was braving the challenging conditions at the 125th U.S. Open. As he stepped onto the Oakmont Country Club course, located just outside Pittsburgh, his mission was clear: make the cut and secure a spot for the weekend’s rounds. However, his journey took an unexpectedly rocky turn.
Early Struggles
Starting his second round on the back nine from the No. 10 tee, Finau’s performance quickly veered off course. He experienced a frustrating sequence, bogeying three consecutive holes—6, 7, and 8. Each dropped shot increased the tension not only for him but also for his fans, who watched nervously as he struggled to maintain his footing in the tournament.
With the stakes high and time running out, his situation seemed precarious. The pressure of competing in one of golf’s most prestigious events weighed heavily on his shoulders, but Finau is known for his resilience, a testimony to his character both on and off the course.
A Crucial Recovery
Just when it appeared that the weekend might slip through his fingers, Finau showcased his determination. At the 465-yard par-4 9th hole, one of the toughest on the course, he managed to save par with a clutch 5-foot putt. This moment was pivotal—it not only halted the bleeding of dropped strokes but also provided him with a much-needed boost of confidence. By finishing his day with an even-par 70, he kept his hopes alive.
Heading into Saturday’s third round, Finau stood at +6, tied for 45th place. The cut line for the tournament, set at +7, meant he was just one stroke away from advancing.
The Competition Landscape
Finau was not the only golfer fighting for his place in the tournament. Former BYU standout Zac Blair, who had shot a solid 74 on Thursday, was in a precarious position after posting a 77 on Friday. With his tournament now finished, he might consider a trip back to Orem or perhaps a visit to The Tree Farm in South Carolina, the impressive course he designed.
Another Utah connection, Preston Summerhays, recently turned pro following an outstanding collegiate career at Arizona State. Unfortunately, his performance at the Open was less than stellar, as he shot an 80 on Friday, further entrenching him down the leaderboard.
Tournament Leaders
As Finau battled through the challenges, others were finding their stride. Sam Burns emerged as the tournament leader at -3, showcasing an impressive performance with a 65 on Friday. Only three players managed to finish under par at the halfway point, with J.J. Spaun holding the second position after carding a 72 and keeping his strong momentum from the first round. Viktor Hovland also put in a commendable showing with a 68, placing him at -1.
Notably, Finau found himself in company with other talented golfers at +6, including none other than Masters champion Rory McIlroy and major contender Xander Schauffele. The backdrop of intense competition served to heighten the stakes for Finau as he pressed on into the weekend.
Finau’s Track Record
Finau’s reputation as a consistent performer in majors adds another layer of intrigue to his journey at the U.S. Open. He has successfully made the cut in his last two major tournaments, including a solid tie for 19th at the PGA Championship just weeks earlier at Quail Hollow. His record in U.S. Opens is equally impressive, having progressed past the cut line in three consecutive tournaments and six out of ten overall.
As the tournament evolved and the storyline of Finau’s resilience played out, golf enthusiasts remained captivated, eager to see how the next rounds would unfold. The challenge at Oakmont is tough—yet for Finau, every putt and every swing is a chance to overcome the odds.
