If you thought pro golfers lived a dream life—traveling the world, playing on the most prestigious courses, and cashing in millions—Tony Finau’s recent confession might make you think again. Currently competing at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, the six-time PGA Tour winner is no stranger to the grind. Week in, week out, he’s out there chasing trophies, perfecting his game, and proving why he’s one of the best. But behind the leaderboard battles, there’s a side to this career that rarely gets talked about—the toll it takes on family life.

In a candid conversation with Skratch, he admitted, “Before COVID, I don’t think my wife and I spent more than two weeks together. We went into it and we were like, we’re about to fall more in love or get a divorce. This is only going to end in one of those two ways. And luckily, it was the first. I’ll call this a good life.”

That’s a brutally honest statement from someone who has dedicated his life to the PGA Tour. And it makes you wonder—just how much do players sacrifice to stay at the top?

Was Tony Finau considering switching boats?

Finau’s commitment to the PGA Tour has never really been in question, but that didn’t stop rumors from swirling last year about a potential jump to LIV Golf. It all started when he suddenly dropped out of the Hero World Challenge, leaving many wondering if he was considering one of LIV’s lucrative offers. Even his wife, Alayna, couldn’t escape the chatter. She playfully addressed the rumors on TikTok, using a clip from Hannah Montana, where Miley Cyrus says: “My life is complicated enough. The last thing I need is more drama. Hey, Miley. Hello, drama.”

But when he showed up for the season opener at The Sentry, he effectively shut it all down. Finau wasn’t going anywhere. Still, his recent comments about the strain of constant travel make you wonder—was there ever a moment of doubt? LIV Golf, after all, doesn’t just offer hefty paychecks; it also gives players a lighter schedule and more time with their families. And if there’s one thing Finau has made clear, it’s that he values his time at home.

In January, he and Alayna welcomed their sixth child, further blending his love for golf with the realities of being a father of a growing family. But juggling that with a career that demands being on the road for most of the year? That’s not easy. But Finau isn’t alone in this struggle.

The PGA Tour’s relentless schedule is pushing players to the edge

While Finau is still grinding it out on the PGA Tour, some of his fellow pros have already packed their bags, choosing a different path—one that gives them more time at home.

Take Anirban Lahiri, for instance. The Indian golfer made it clear that his move to LIV Golf wasn’t just about money—it was about family and burnout. In a brutally honest moment, he admitted, “I have been on the verge of quitting the game at least twice. I was fed up with the grind, with not improving. My golf had started to plateau. The second aspect was my family. My daughter is now three-and-a-half, my son is going to be four months old.”

And when it came to his family, the choice became even more personal. Lahiri, a father of two, shared, “Having kids and not having any familial support has been difficult. When I was not playing competitive golf, I was not able to unwind and relax. I was burning out.”

That’s the part of professional golf people don’t always see—the exhaustion, the constant travel, the emotional toll of missing out on milestones at home.

Cameron Smith had similar feelings. The Australian golfer admitted that spending time with his loved ones played a massive role in his decision to join LIV. “I go to LIV to spend more time in Australia with friends and family,” he said.

So, where does that leave players like Finau? He’s made it clear that his heart is with the PGA Tour, but at what cost? How long can players juggle their careers and personal lives before something gives?

It’s a dilemma that many have faced, and for some, staying on the traditional Tour wasn’t the answer.