Tony Finau Begins European Tour Quest In Saudi Arabia

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Tony Finau shot a two-under-par opening round at the Saudi International to sit seven shots off the leaders entering the second round.

Finau is taking a week and spending it on the European Tour, deciding to bypass the Waste Management Open for a first-time trip to Saudi Arabia. He is joined by a number of other top tour professionals who decided to play in the Saudi International over the Waste Management; including Bryson Dechambeau, Viktor Hovland, Paul Casey, Lee Westwood, Phil Mickelson, Justin Rose, Ian Poulter, among others.

Tony shot 68(-2) in the first round

2 birdies, 16 pars

Currently T31, 7 shots back

— Tony Finau Tracker (@tracker_tony) February 4, 2021

A bogey-free opening round that included 16 pars and 2 birdies puts Finau in a tie for 31st with three rounds to play.

He finds himself chasing the leader David Horsey who finished the opening round at nine-under-par. Horsey concluded his opening round with seven birdies on the back nine alone to lead by one.

“First time in beautiful Saudi Arabia for the Saudi International,” Finau wrote on his Instagram page. “Sweet golf course and the hospitality has been great by everyone!” He added.

 

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A post shared by Tony Finau (@tonyfinaugolf)

Finau tees off at 4:20 a.m. on Friday morning to begin his second round. Coverage is available on the Golf Channel.

The previous two weeks have been kind to Finau who was unfortunate not to pick up his second career victory. He finished four shots off the winner at The American Express after being up one shot with 17 left to play on the final round and tied for second last week at The Farmers Insurance.

The pressure of winning is growing on Finau whose lone PGA Tour victory came in 2016 when he won the Puerto Rico Open.