Jon Rahm's relationship with Tony Finau, cryptic Instagram post, LIV Golf message

Jon Rahm could be plotting to bring close friend Tony Finau over to the realms of for the 2025 season.

The 29-year-old Spaniard teamed up with the controversial Saudi-backed circuit last December, quickly becoming the Legion XIII captain and teaming up with , Kieran Vincent and Caleb Surratt. Since making the move from the , Rahm has bagged two tournament wins with LIV and will no doubt hope to build on his list of achievements next year.

And also hopes to convince a number of golfers to join him in the newer promotion, telling : "I still don’t have a player who’s already signed but we have six or seven in mind." And some golfing fans have started to speculate whether close friend Finau could soon also ditch the PGA Tour to see if the grass is greener with LIV thanks to a little persuasion from Rahm.

But what does Rahm and Finau's friendship look like? And could Finau actually make the move to the newer set-up to play alongside a whole host of emerging and established talent? Here, breaks it down...

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Close friends

Finau and Rahm first became close at the Silverleaf golf club in Scottsdale, Arisona, training alongside one another with an iron sharpens iron mentality, and helping each other to become better golfers. Speaking about Finau, Rahm has previously said: "If you don't get along with Tony Finau, there is something wrong with you. If he's not the nicest, he's tied for the nicest person I know.

"Top one for sure and he's just a fun guy - nice to be around. When it comes to golf, we're both extremely competitive. We have a great friendship, we clicked right away but that competitiveness drives both of us to play better. And obviously, unless I'm playing with him on the golf course, I want to see him win."

Finau, meanwhile has also previously showered his fellow golfer with praise, explaining: "Jon's a great individual. We're both members at Silverleaf in Scottsdale, Arizona, and I got to know him really well there. We played a lot of golf together, and what a great kid and that's what I thought to myself.

"I said, 'I don't know if a lot of people see this side of Jon'. They see that he's very fiery, he's very competitive, and they see that nature in him. He's such a kind human. He's a very generous person and I enjoy being around him."

A cryptic Instagram post

Last December, Finau shared a touching post in tribute to his hard work with the PGA Tour, writing: "The 2023 season is in the books!

"It was a special and incredible season highlighted with a win at the Mexico Open. It was my 6th Win on the PGA Tour. Another highlight was reaching the tour championship for the 7th year in a row! As this year comes to an end I’m grateful to play the game that I love and to have the opportunity to compete at the highest level.

"I’m excited for 2024 and looking forward to playing my 10th season on the PGA Tour! And stoked to be defending in both Mexico and Houston! Thank you to my partners for your continued support. Thank you to the fans for all the love for our whole Finau fam. See y’all in Maui!"

Signing off the post, Finau added "#Imnotleaving" in a nod to his commitment to playing on the PGA Tour for another year. The post came just days after it was reported that Finau was in talks with LIV to join Rahm's at the time newly established team – quashing any rumours that he would be playing under any banner but the PGA's in 2024.

A sweet message of support

While many seasoned professionals have blasted PGA Tour defectors who have jumped ship to LIV Golf since its inception, Finau showed an abundance of support to Rahm after he announced he would too be making the move. Speaking to Sports Illustrated after Rahm's deal was confirmed, Finau said: "I’m happy for Jon.

"He made the best decision he felt was right for his family and himself. I'm happy for him." Finau chose to complement Rahm's move rather than rebel against it, noting how LIV Golf would be beneficial for the Spaniard - indicating that 'Big Tone' can see the positives of playing under the fresh banner.