Professional golfer Tony Finau is demonstrating a strong return to form at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, following a period of performance challenges earlier in the 2026 PGA Tour season. His impressive start at Spyglass Hill Golf Course, marked by a bogey-free 8-under 64, signals a potential turning point in his competitive trajectory. This resurgence follows significant personal and professional adjustments, including ankle surgery and the establishment of new coaching and caddie relationships, underscoring his resilience and commitment to excellence in the sport.
Finau's journey back to peak performance is characterized by strategic changes and a renewed focus on his game. His collaboration with renowned instructor Chris Como aims to refine his iron play, an area he acknowledges as critical for his overall success. Additionally, the introduction of Giff Nielson as his new caddie represents another key element in his refreshed approach. These changes, coupled with his inherent mental toughness, are collectively contributing to his improved showing, suggesting a promising outlook for the remainder of his season and beyond.
Finau's Stellar Start at Pebble Beach
Despite a challenging commencement to the 2026 PGA Tour season, marked by a series of missed cuts, Tony Finau showcased exceptional skill and composure during the initial round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. His outstanding performance at Spyglass Hill Golf Course, where he delivered a flawless 8-under 64, served as a powerful declaration of his renewed competitive spirit. This impressive start not only provided a much-needed boost to his confidence but also signaled a potential shift in momentum for a player determined to overcome recent setbacks. Finau's ability to execute such a strong round, particularly after grappling with inconsistencies, highlights his enduring talent and mental fortitude, setting an optimistic tone for his progression in the tournament.
Finau's remarkable opening round was distinguished by his exceptional putting, converting over 100 feet of putts and notably sinking a crucial 6-foot par putt early in his round, which he credited as pivotal for building momentum. This precision on the greens, however, faced a slight dip during his subsequent round at Pebble Beach, culminating in an even-par 72 after a late birdie. Reflecting on his performance, Finau expressed that while he didn't anticipate such a low score given his season's start, he firmly believes in the power of each new week to reset and alter the course of one's season. His early success at Spyglass Hill underscores his philosophy that a single strong performance can indeed reshape the narrative of an entire season, demonstrating his belief in perseverance and seizing new opportunities on the golf course.
Strategic Adjustments and Renewed Focus
Tony Finau's current season is marked by significant strategic adjustments aimed at rejuvenating his career trajectory. Following a disappointing 2025 campaign, which saw him miss the Tour Championship for the first time in eight years, Finau underwent right ankle surgery in September. This medical intervention, though initially followed by a minor setback during a rushed return at the Dunhill Cup, marked the beginning of a comprehensive effort to address underlying issues. His decision to collaborate with noted instructor Chris Como, after a year without a swing coach, highlights a dedicated approach to refining his technique and regaining his previous form. These deliberate changes underscore Finau's commitment to overcoming obstacles and optimizing his physical and technical capabilities on the course.
The partnership with Chris Como is specifically targeting improvements in Finau's iron play, an aspect of his game that historically served as a cornerstone of his success but experienced a notable decline in the previous season. His ranking plummeted from second to 135th in Strokes Gained: Approach, indicating a critical area for improvement. Finau acknowledged the immediate positive impact of their work, viewing his recent round as a significant step in the right direction. Complementing these coaching changes, the introduction of Giff Nielson as his new caddie further solidifies his new support system. Finau's pragmatic approach to finding the right caddie, including 'test-driving' candidates, demonstrates his meticulous attention to every detail that can contribute to his performance. These concerted efforts in coaching and caddying, combined with his inherent resilience, illustrate Finau's holistic strategy to regain his competitive edge and re-establish himself as a formidable presence on the PGA Tour.
