facebook-pixel

Utahn Tony Finau rallies to tie Hideki Matsuyama in Presidents Cup

International team player Hideki Matsuyama of Japan, left, and U.S. team player Tony Finau shake hands after tying their singles match during the President's Cup golf tournament at Royal Melbourne Golf Club in Melbourne, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Andy Brownbill)

Tony Finau made a remarkable comeback in his singles match with Hideki Matsuyama, rallying for his third tie in four matches of the Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne Golf Club.

The West High School graduate was 4 down through 10 holes Saturday (Sunday in Australia), but won the next four holes – three with birdies. Matsuyama then won No. 16 with a birdie, but lost No. 17 with a bogey and the players each parred No. 18 for a tie.

Playing in the second match of the day, Finau played a part in the U.S. team’s rally from 10-8 down entering the final round. As the Golf Channel announcers framed it, Finau’s tie felt like a win for the Americans, because he was so far behind with eight holes to play.

Finau finished the week with a 1½-2½ total score. He’s now 3½-3½ in international competition, counting the 2018 Ryder Cup in Paris.

His comeback vs. Matsuyama started with an 8-foot birdie putt on No. 11. A par was good enough for his win on No. 12, then he birdied No. 13 from 19 feet and birdied the par-3 No. 14 – a hole he played well all week – from 9 feet.

Finau had earned a half-point in each of his two matches with Matt Kuchar as his partner, after losing 2 and 1 in a four-ball pairing with Bryson DeChambeau.in the opening round.