After juggling flaming knives Finau is ready to handle heat

“It was by far our most successful event of the season because of the crowds that came to watch.

“Also, we had a really good players’ lounge and all the little added extras which makes your experience of an event even better.

“Because we were mixing in the same players’ lounge, and with my coach being Robert Rock, he was able to give us some information from the men.

“There is also an event in Australia called the Vic Open. It’s normal strokeplay but it’s men and women playing alternate groups.

“That brings in quite a lot of people to come and watch and we’re playing amongst the men, which is quite a good atmosphere.”

Tony Finau is burning down golfing barriers now he’s stopped burning himself throwing FIRE KNIVES.

The 26-year-old has impressed at Royal Troon and his performances have been another reward for the bravery and courage which he has displayed throughout his life.

Finau isn’t from normal golfing stock. From Samoan heritage, the kid and his brother, Gipper, were introduced to the sport by their father in a bid to keep them out of gangland culture in Utah.

Finau was ridiculed by his pals for choosing the “cissy” option.

The cool basketball and American football playing teenagers would rip him apart and slag him off.

Finau, though, was made of strong stuff and ignored the jibes to chase his dream.

Well, you have to be made of stern stuff when one of the first things you are taught by your mother is how to master the art stick part and not the knife. You do tricks and it takes a lot of skill.

“I had a lot of burns and marks on my arms and it wouldn’t have been very smart to keep up with it but I did become really good at it.

“I f inished thi rd championships one time.

“Would I do it if won an Open? Possibly, maybe on the fake stick!”

Finau might not be coming out on top at Royal Troon this time around but his progress suggests he’ll be winning big events soon enough.

Yesterday he followed rounds of 67 and 71 with a 72 for a total of three-under 210.

Perhaps even more importantly, his profile as one of the Tour’s most popular characters is cemented with his nice guy attitude.

During the third round of the Dean & DeLuca Invitational this year, one of Finau’s shots hit a young lady, who was left bloodied and needing stitches.