Tony Finau’s up-and-down 2025 season took a dramatic turn during the second round of the Texas Children’s Houston Open. What should have been a simple par on the 15th hole devolved into a shocking double bogey after a moment of frustration. The incident highlighted the fine line between success and struggle that has defined his year, leaving fans wondering about his form heading into the Masters.
A Routine Putt Turns into a Nightmare
It was a moment that will be replayed in golf highlights for all the wrong reasons. On the par-3 15th, Finau played a solid iron shot to the middle of the green. He then lagged his long 38-foot birdie attempt to a comfortable three feet.
What happened next was hard to believe. His three-foot putt for par lipped out, a common frustration for any golfer. However, Finau’s reaction is what caused the real damage. In a moment of visible irritation, he quickly went to tap in the remaining two-inch putt. He stubbed the putter, failing to make contact correctly, and watched as his simple bogey turned into a painful double bogey.
Finau’s Inconsistent 2025 Season Continues
This blunder is a perfect snapshot of Finau’s entire season. He has shown flashes of the player who can compete for any title, but these moments have been mixed with unforced errors and missed opportunities. His performance this year has been a true rollercoaster for the six-time PGA Tour winner.
A quick look at his results before the Houston Open tells the story of his hot-and-cold year.
- Total Starts: 7
- Top-15 Finishes: 3
- Missed Cuts: 3
This inconsistency has prevented him from finding a steady rhythm, with moments of brilliance often followed by frustrating rounds that take him out of contention.
Ironic Praise for a Now-Painful Course
Earlier in the week, Tony Finau had nothing but positive things to say about Memorial Park. He praised the course as the perfect preparation for the Masters, citing its challenging layout and conditions similar to Augusta National.
“I don’t think there’s a better prep golf course leading up to the Masters than Memorial Park,” Finau had stated. He even mentioned recommending the Houston Open to other players for this very reason. After his costly mistake on the 15th green, it’s fair to wonder if his opinion of the course has soured.
Looking Ahead to Augusta’s Greens
With the 2025 Masters just around the corner, this putting disaster puts Finau’s short game under a microscope. Augusta National is famous for its treacherous greens, where mental fortitude and a steady hand are non-negotiable. A momentary lapse in concentration like the one in Houston could be even more punishing at the Masters.
While the double bogey in Houston is a setback, it could also serve as a crucial wake-up call. If Finau can channel this frustration and refocus, he still has the talent to make a run at a green jacket. One thing is certain: every short putt he faces at Augusta will now carry a little extra weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Tony Finau at the Houston Open?
During the second round on the 15th hole, Tony Finau missed a three-foot putt for par. In frustration, he carelessly tapped at the remaining two-inch putt, stubbed his putter, and missed again, resulting in a double bogey.
Has Tony Finau been playing well this season?
His 2025 season has been very inconsistent. In his first seven starts, he recorded three top-15 finishes but also missed the cut three times, showing both high-level play and moments of struggle.
Why did Finau say the Houston Open course was good practice for the Masters?
He praised Memorial Park for its challenging layout and green conditions, which he believes are very similar to Augusta National, making it an ideal tournament to sharpen his game before the Masters.
How many times has Tony Finau won on the PGA Tour?
Tony Finau is a six-time winner on the PGA Tour, highlighting his capability to compete and win at the highest level of professional golf.
