Tony Finau — a guy who just got a taste of Hollywood, but is still hungry for something a little more familiar: a return to form on the golf course.
With “Happy Gilmore 2” set to debut this weekend on Netflix, Finau will make his silver screen debut alongside Adam Sandler, Scottie Scheffler, and a host of PGA stars in the most anticipated golf comedy sequel in decades. But while fans are ready for laughs and nostalgia, Finau is laser-focused on something more pressing: saving his season.
Hollywood Cameo, But No Red Carpet Season (Yet)
Finau’s cameo in Happy Gilmore 2 might be a fun footnote, but the big man with the big game isn’t feeling too celebratory about 2025.
“I just know this one hasn’t felt like a successful season to me,” he told reporters ahead of this week’s 3M Open in Minnesota. “I haven’t played my best golf.”
No wins. Missed opportunities. And a quiet season by Finau’s standards. After four wins across 2022 and 2023, Finau has now gone nearly two full years without lifting a trophy — and he’s not sugarcoating it. He’s 59th in the FedExCup standings, and that ironclad streak of eight straight TOUR Championship appearances? It’s officially in danger.
“It’s definitely in the back of my mind,” Finau admitted. “That top-50 number is important now. But the main focus is playing good golf. If I do that, things take care of themselves.”
The 3M Open: Familiar Ground, Fresh Start?
Here’s the good news: Finau loves TPC Twin Cities. He’s teed it up at the 3M Open every year since its inception, and he’s never finished worse than T28. And after a decent showing at The Open Championship last week — two solid rounds before fading — he’s walking into Minnesota with a more optimistic stride.
“A lot of positives to build from… and looking forward to just progressing my way into this weekend,” he said. That’s vintage Finau. Not flustered, not bitter, just methodically focused on turning the corner — one swing, one round at a time.
From Netflix to the FedEx Cup
Finau went from filming golf comedy scenes with Sandler to trying to play his way back into contention for East Lake. One moment, he’s joking on set with Shooter McGavin, the next, he’s back grinding on the course.
But that’s who Tony Finau is. No drama, no ego, just quiet fire and relentless effort. And if the putter heats up and the ball-striking clicks, don’t be surprised if this weekend goes his way.
