Tony Finau expressed his enthusiasm about playing alongside former NFL player Kyle Rudolph at the 2025 3M Open Pro-Am in Minnesota. Following his participation in The Open Championship, Finau is back on the PGA Tour circuit this week, preparing for the regular tournament that commences on July 24.
Pro-Am Event Highlights Finau’s Interaction with Kyle Rudolph
The 3M Open begins Thursday morning, but before the main competition, players took part in the Pro-Am event. Kyle Rudolph shared a glimpse of their day together on Instagram, highlighting the camaraderie and weather disruptions during the game.
“Always a good time teeing it up with my guy @tonyfinaugolf. A few solid swings, a lot of laughs… and then the rain decided to show up. Still a great day on the course. Excited for another @3mopen!”
—Kyle Rudolph, Former NFL Player
Finau acknowledged Rudolph’s post by resharing it on his Instagram story, showing his appreciation for the fun moments shared. On tournament day, Finau is scheduled to tee off at 8:10 am ET from the tenth hole, joining Maverick McNealy and Sahith Theegala. Meanwhile, the first tee will see Nate Lashley, David Lipsky, and Vince Whaley start the action, with Kevin Kisner, Carson Young, and Ben Silverman leading off from the tenth hole.
Returning to Minnesota: Finau Reflects on Past Performances and Local Connection
Finau has previously competed at the 3M Open, including a solid performance in 2024 where he finished tied for 12th after rounds of 67, 69, 70, and 67. He is eager to build on his history with the event and the golf course, which he finds conducive to scoring birdies.
“It’s great to be back here in Minnesota; I’ve got a lot of great memories here. Winning in ’22 is a highlight, but I’ve had some nice finishes. It’s a golf course that I enjoy playing, usually yields some birdies, and I always look forward to being back here in Minnesota.”
—Tony Finau, Golfer
Finau’s Recent Activities and Season Overview
Earlier this week, after competing at The Open, Tony Finau and his wife Alayna attended the premiere of Happy Gilmore 2. Finau embraced a cameo role in the film and shared his excitement about the experience.
“That was so fun. I had never been a part of anything like that. My short cameo in Happy Gilmore 2 was fun to be a part of and fun to shoot with Adam Sandler. To be asked to even do it was really an honor, being a huge Happy Gilmore fan growing up. So I think Friday it comes out on Netflix, and it will be interesting to see the reviews, but I really enjoyed it.”
—Tony Finau, Golfer
In terms of his ongoing season on the PGA Tour, Finau has been consistent, playing 22 events and making the cut in 20 of them. He notably finished as runner-up at the Texas Children’s Houston Open, demonstrating strong form as he heads into the 3M Open.
Anticipation Builds Ahead of the 2025 3M Open
The 3M Open continues to be an important stop for Finau, offering another opportunity to compete on a course he appreciates and where he has achieved significant results. His strong start in past tournaments and eagerness to reconnect with familiar faces like Kyle Rudolph signal a determined and energized approach for the week ahead. Fans and observers alike will be watching closely as Finau looks to add another highlight to his season at this Minnesota event.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Are Rory McIlroy and Tony Finau friends?
A. McIlroy is recognized as one of the greatest golfers ever, having won all four major tournaments. Finau feels honored to have him as a friend. “We’ve had a genuine friendship for a long time, well before we became well-known,” said an older Finau to ABC4.com.
Q. Why is Tony Finau in debt?
A. In his 2020 lawsuit, Hola stated that the Finaus owe him around $600,000 for loans they haven’t paid back. Additionally, he claims they owe him $300,000 for his consulting services and 20% of Tony and Gipper Finau’s professional golf earnings. Hola says he financially supported the brothers from 2006 to 2009 to help start their golfing careers.