June 23, 2009
Kahuku, Hawaii – Turtle Bay Resort is pleased to announce teen golf professionals, Tony and Gipper Finau will represent the North Shore resort. The three year agreement will provide a place for Tony, age 19 and Gipper age 18 to play, practice, and train as they aspire to play on the PGA Tour. Both have been recognized as two of the best golfers in the country under the age of 25.
“We couldn’t be more excited to be part of both Tony and Gipper’s development as Professional Golfers”, says Vice President and General Manager of Turtle Bay Resort, Bob Boyle.
Matthew Hall, Director of Golf at Turtle Bay Resort, remembers watching the two brothers at the PGA’s Junior Championship 4 years ago, “The big talk at the tournament was how they were driving par 4 greens that weren’t even imaginable”. Tony would finish in 2nd place in that event shooting a final round 64. “It is a question of when, not if these two will make it on Tour” added Hall.
While Gipper has won the Utah State High School Championship and numerous junior events in Utah, Tony’s amateur career has included winning the Utah State Amateur Championship, and being a member of the 2004 & 2006 Junior Ryder Cup Teams. Athleticism runs in the family as mother Ravena was a standout volleyball player for BYU-Hawaii.
Tony turned Professional the same day he graduated from West High in Salt Lake City, Utah. That spring both competed in “The Ultimate Game” at Wynn Las Vegas, their first event as professionals. While Gipper did not qualify for the money rounds, brother Tony finished 8th taking home a check for $100,000 in his professional debut. Tony made the cut in the 2007 Milwaukee Open while driving a number of the par fours, and his equally talented brother Gipper became the youngest to ever make a cut in a Nationwide Tour event (Utah Energy Solution Championship) in 2006 at the age of 16. He medaled in the Monday qualifier for the event shooting 63.
After watching them play first-hand, World Golf Hall of Famer and 2-time Major Champion winner, Johnny Miller felt they can compete at the professional level and encouraged them to turn professional.
Former University of Hawaii Head Football Coach June Jones has become a close friend of the Finau’s and was amazed at their golfing talent, “They have it all, drive the ball long, soft hands around the green, and great touch with the putter.” commented Jones. "Both are very natural players with extraordinary athletic ability" said David Leadbetter who had a chance to visit with the Finau’s during a trip to Champions Gate in Orlando.
