The day after October 2022 general conference, Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles had the chance to “golf a few holes” with one of the top 15 golfers on the PGA tour.
The professional golfer was Tony Finau, who is also a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Elder Andersen, who says he only golfs occasionally, described playing with Finau as “a unique experience” in a social media post shared on Sunday, Oct. 30.
“It was impressive to see the power and accuracy of Tony’s shots — but I walked away even more impressed by his love for the Savior, for the restored gospel, and for his wife, Alayna, and their five children,” Elder Andersen wrote.
“It should be no surprise that a person who is so devoted to the Savior and to his family would also be recognized as the ‘nicest’ player on the PGA Tour after an extensive survey of fellow golfers, caddies, media members and golf executives by Golf Digest. He was featured on the cover of the August Golf Digest as having the respect and admiration of his fellow professionals. The light of Christ is evident in his life — both on and off the course.”
Elder Andersen also referenced his general conference remarks — “Drawing Closer to the Savior” — and mentioned Finau as an example of someone who makes choices that require him to “stand out from the world.”
“One individual who is an example to me of being unashamed of being a member of the restored gospel is Tony Finau,” Elder Andersen wrote. “We won’t all be as well known as Tony Finau; however, we can all shine the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ wherever we go.”
