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SALT LAKE CITY — Utah's Tony Finau made his mark on pro golf in 2018.
He finished No. 14 in the World Golf Rankings, earned his first-ever berth on the U.S. Ryder Cup team, and took home $5.6 million in winnings on the PGA Tour, with top-10 finishes at three majors — one spot ahead of Tiger Woods.
Now he is sharing his success with those who are not as fortunate, much like Finau used to be. Finau used to be one of those children who was not able to pay for a round of golf, or lessons, or clubs in his Rose Park neighborhood.
So Finau is doing something about the next generation.
The West High alum donated $10,000 to four different youth golf organizations to afford many children more opportunities than he had.
"I was raised by great parents who taught me if I ever saw success in golf that I look for ways to help others," Finau told a group of friends and donors during a pre-event dinner Tuesday.
Finau donated four checks of $2,500 each to the First Tee Of Utah, the Utah Junior Golf Association, U.S. Kids Golf and the PGA junior program.
"I know what it’s like to not have a lot of money for lessons or the ability to pay for events, so if I can help just one kid with a chance to be more than he or she is today, it is all worth it," he said.
Finau will also head back to the neighborhood where he grew up in Rose Park to pass out gifts to families in need, including a Thanksgiving dinner with more than 1,000 turkeys.
