Jon Rahm and Tony Finau friendship, telling message, LIV Golf statement

Tony Finau and Jon Rahm (Image: Getty)

Jon Rahm could hope to lure his good pal Tony Finau into the fold of LIV Golf for the 2025 season. The dynamic 29-year-old from Spain joined the ranks of the contentious Saudi-backed league last December, swiftly rising to the role of Legion XIII captain and forging alliances with Tyrrell Hatton, Kieran Vincent, and Caleb Surratt.

Since his departure from the PGA Tour, Rahm has clinched two victories with LIV and is eager to expand his trophy collection in the coming year. Rahm is also on a mission to recruit more players to the burgeoning golf league, revealing to Golf Sin Etiquetas: "I still don't have a player who's already signed but we have six or seven in mind."

This has led to whispers among the golf community that Finau might be swayed by Rahm's influence to leave the PGA Tour and test the waters with LIV. But what's the real score between Rahm and Finau? And is it possible that Finau will join the innovative circuit to compete with a mix of rising stars and seasoned pros?

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Finau and Rahm struck up a friendship at Silverleaf golf club in Scottsdale, Arizona, where they honed their skills together, each pushing the other to greater heights. Rahm has spoken highly of Finau, previously saying: "If you don't get along with Tony Finau, there is something wrong with you. If he's not the nicest, he's tied for the nicest person I know.

"Top one for sure and he's just a fun guy - nice to be around. When it comes to golf, we're both extremely competitive. We have a great friendship, we clicked right away but that competitiveness drives both of us to play better. And obviously, unless I'm playing with him on the golf course, I want to see him win."

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Meanwhile, Finau has said: "Jon's a great individual. We're both members at Silverleaf in Scottsdale, Arizona, and I got to know him really well there. We played a lot of golf together, and what a great kid and that's what I thought to myself.

"I said, 'I don't know if a lot of people see this side of Jon'. They see that he's very fiery, he's very competitive, and they see that nature in him. He's such a kind human. He's a very generous person and I enjoy being around him."

Rahm has an abundance of admiration for his fellow golfer (Image: Getty Images)A cryptic Instagram post

Signalling a commemorative moment, Finau took to Instagram last December with an affectionate post lionising his toils on the PGA Tour, effusing: "The 2023 season is in the books! It was a special and incredible season highlighted with a win at the Mexico Open. It was my 6th Win on the PGA Tour.

"Another highlight was reaching the tour championship for the 7th year in a row! As this year comes to an end I'm grateful to play the game that I love and to have the opportunity to compete at the highest level. I'm excited for 2024 and looking forward to playing my 10th season on the PGA Tour! And stoked to be defending in both Mexico and Houston! Thank you to my partners for your continued support. Thank you to the fans for all the love for our whole Finau fam. See y'all in Maui!"

To underscore his loyalty, he concluded the announcement with "#Imnotleaving", dispelling any speculation of a departure. This pronouncement arrived amid rumours that Finau was negotiating with LIV Golf, which were promptly snuffed out, reinforcing his allegiance exclusively to the PGA Tour.

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A heartfelt statement

When the news surfaced that Rahm had opted for LIV Golf, 'Big Tone' displayed solidarity rather than censure. Finau told Sports Illustrated after Rahm's contract became official: "I'm happy for Jon. He made the best decision he felt was right for his family and himself. I'm happy for him."

Rather than condemn Rahm's move, Finau acknowledged the potential upsides for playing under the new LIV Golf banner, showcasing a supportive outlook towards his fellow golfer's choice.

Jon Rahm and Tony Finau friendship, telling message, LIV Golf statement

Jon Rahm and Tony Finau friendship, telling message, LIV Golf statement

Jon Rahm and Tony Finau friendship, telling message, LIV Golf statement

Jon Rahm and Tony Finau friendship, telling message, LIV Golf statement

Jon Rahm and Tony Finau friendship, telling message, LIV Golf statement