The tragic reason why PGA Tour pros are wearing green ribbons this week

Justin Thomas was wearing one. As was his caddie, longtime looper Jim “Bones” Mackay. Jon Rahm, Collin Morikawa, Xander Schauffele, Bryson DeChambeau, Daniel Berger, Harris English, Branden Grace and Patrick Reed, too. And, of course, Tony Finau had a green ribbon fastened to the side of his hat. 

His father-in-law, Tipa Galeai, had recently died. And at some point ahead of this week’s Tournament of Champions, Finau organized for his fellow pros and caddies to honor him in front of those at the Plantation Course at Kapalua and those watching at home. 

“Green ribbons on the course for Dad,” wrote Alayna Galea’i-Finau, Finau’s wife and Galeai’s daughter, on her Instagram account next to photos of Finau and other players wearing the ribbons. 

“My amazing golf family! No words can ever express how much this means to my family and I, & how grateful we are! A month ago, Dad was so excited planning for Maui from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU all, for this beautiful tribute & carrying Dad w y’all on the course today! Thank you for this surprise babe, I love you so much!!”

As of Friday night, the post had nearly 1,300 likes and 90 comments. Including one from Finau. 

“Grateful for all the guys and caddies who willingly participated,” Finau wrote. “Mourning with you babe.”

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Nick Piastowski

Golf.com Editor

Nick Piastowski is a Senior Editor at Golf.com and Golf Magazine. In his role, he is responsible for editing, writing and developing stories across the golf space. And when he’s not writing about ways to hit the golf ball farther and straighter, the Milwaukee native is probably playing the game, hitting the ball left, right and short, and drinking a cold beer to wash away his score. You can reach out to him about any of these topics — his stories, his game or his beers — at nick.piastowski@golf.com.

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