Tony Finau’s 2025 season has been unpredictable, mixing brilliance with frustration. With three top-15 finishes in seven starts, he has also missed three cuts, showing flashes of dominance alongside inconsistency. But his second round at the Texas Children’s Houston Open took things to another level.
The Three-Foot Putt That Went Horribly Wrong
A routine par attempt turned into disaster.
On the par-3 15th hole, Finau’s iron shot landed safely in the middle of the green. He lagged a 38-foot birdie putt to just three feet, leaving what should have been a straightforward par save.
But then, things unraveled. His short putt lipped out, visibly frustrating the six-time PGA Tour winner. In his irritation, he quickly tapped at the remaining two-inch putt—only to stub his putter and turn a bogey into a painful double.
A Course He Once Praised
Finau had high praise for Memorial Park heading into the tournament. Earlier this week, he called it the ideal prep course for Augusta National and the 2025 Masters.
- “Anybody that asks me about my schedule, I always make sure they know I’m playing Houston and it’s a good golf course,” he said.*
- “I don’t think there’s a better prep golf course leading up to the Masters than Memorial Park.”*
The course, known for its challenging layout and Augusta-like conditions, was supposed to sharpen his game. But after Saturday’s blunder, it’s unclear if he still feels the same way.
Hot and Cold Season Continues
Finau’s season has been a rollercoaster. Inconsistency has plagued his year, as seen in his results:
- Top-15 finishes: 3
- Missed cuts: 3
- Starts in 2025: 7
When he’s on, he’s capable of competing with the best. But moments like Saturday’s putting nightmare highlight why he hasn’t quite found his rhythm this season.
Looking Ahead to Augusta
Despite the hiccup in Houston, Finau still has the Masters on his mind. His ability to handle Augusta’s treacherous greens will be under scrutiny. If he can avoid mistakes like the one on 15 at Memorial Park, he could still make noise at golf’s most prestigious tournament.
One thing is certain—every putt at Augusta will now feel a little more important.
