Remember how Bryson DeChambeau casually tossed his ball to a child after finishing T2 at the Masters last year? However, the child was unable to catch and someone else took it. Seeing this, the golfer came back and asked the other person to return the ball to the child. Moments like this are certainly small but remain in memory for a lifetime. Although things are changing here and there in the golf world, the generosity from these athletes remains the same. Now, Tony Finau is continuing this tradition at the Texas Children’s Open.
The PGA Tour recently shared a video on X with the caption “A story of overcoming the odds.” The video showcased Tony Finau’s good gesture toward a cancer survivor and high school golfer, Laurel. They met on the greens and the golfer provided her an experience worth remembering. Their conversation started with Laurel highlighting how Finau is would throw the first pitch at the Astros game and that she knew about it. Laurel later revealed that she is a “huge Astros fan.” As they continued, the golfer humbly asked Laurel, “Would you like to walk this hole with me?” She was delighted and agreed with a big smile on her face.
While walking with her, Finau asked “What’s the low score of your career?” She answered, “The lowest score is 70.” Also highlighted this with a +2 handicap score. Shockingly, Finau added, “Nice! Wow! So, you are good.” They also talked about her cancer, and the golfer expressed his sadness over the situation. However, he was glad after Laurel revealed that she is cancer-free now. Witnessing her resilience and strength at such a young age, Finau added, “I’d love to learn from you and draw some strength.”
Laurel talked about her story and started with, “It was 54 weeks, multiple rounds of chemo and radiation. Multiple surgeries. But for me at least I’ve learned just don’t let anything get you down and there is always a way to comeback from anything.” She further explained how the Texas Children’s Open helped her during the treatment. Later also showed her gratitude for the tournament. Their conversation continued, and Tony Finau also talked a little bit about himself and his hometown. As it happened, Laurel also revealed her career path and how she is excited to pursue nursing in the future.
A story of overcoming the odds
At 3 years old, @TexasChildrens patient Laurel was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive soft tissue tumor.
This week, @TonyFinauGolf invited the cancer survivor and high school golfer to the @TCHouOpen for a day she would remember forever pic.twitter.com/3IXwwu5hhP
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 28, 2025
The whole time they spent together, the chatter also had a touch of golf here and there. Laurel also revealed that back in the times of COVID, she shot a hole-in-one on a par-3 course at Redledges. Tony Finau appreciated her for that. Surprisingly, their meeting wasn’t limited to the chatter only. The girl also watched her favorite golfer play some holes as well.
Following that, Laurel talked about her experience with Tony Finau and said, “That was awesome. talk about a dream come true.” She also talked about the humility of Finau and said, “He was just so down to earth and just easy to talk to, it was just so inspirational to meet someone that you have looked up to a majority of your life and have them be so kind and welcoming and just fun to talk to.”
The golfer also chipped in with his thoughts and said, “Yeah, it’s incredibly inspiring to meet Laurel and hear about her story and her resilience. I draw so much strength and inspiration from individuals like Laurel, who have to deal with cancer at such a young age. She mentioned to me that it was pretty cool for her, but it is really my pleasure to have her inside the ropes.” After all this, Tony Finau wrote “Thank you, Laurel” on his glove and gave it to her souvenir while joking about his handwriting. It was certainly a heartwarming moment on the greens, but it’s not only Tony Finau who has this kind of generosity.
PGA Tour pros are known for their kind gestures
A few days ago, during THE PLAYERS Championship, the PGA Tour shared a post with the caption “A day the Harden family will never forget.” And certainly, it became one of the most memorable days in their life, thanks to Michael S. Kim. The golfer not only played some light hearted golf with the family they also engaged in a lot of chatter and went on shopping as well. The day ended with a smile on all the faces, including the golfer.
Following that, he also reshared the clip from the Tour, saying “Thankful to the players championship and @LeeGardnerSmith to help make it an even better day!” Witnessing this generosity, fans showered the golfer with comments like “You are a class act, Michael.”
Aside from this, there are a lot of memorable moments these PGA Tour pros have created. Last year, during the Rocket Mortgage Classic, Rickie Fowler went viral for something similar. The golfer met Parker Milkos, a Make-A-Wish recipient, and he served as his caddie for three holes during the practice rounds on Tuesday. Later, Fowler also took Parker to his van and showed him his drivers, allowing them to work together on a new driver and letting Parker grip the club with his team.
What are your thoughts on gestures like these from the PGA Tour and the golfers? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
The post Cancer Survivor’s ‘Dream Come True’ After Tony Finau Goes Extra Mile to Brighten Fan’s Day at Houston Open appeared first on EssentiallySports.
