The opening event of the PGA Tour season resembles the first day of school. Players bring along their new gear, transfers join the ranks, and everyone is adjusting to their surroundings while checking out who else is in their classes. Plus, there’s the returning veteran (Vijay Singh), back for yet another year.
This year kicks off in an unconventional manner with the tournament not taking place at its usual venue—the Sentry at Kapalua—making the start of the 2026 PGA Tour season quite distinctive. However, the field for the Sony Open is notably stronger than in previous years.
With no traditional Maui event, the Sony Open takes the lead as the first tournament. The future of the Hawaii swing remains uncertain, yet the 2026 Sony Open at Waialae Country Club brings together seven of the top 20 players from the Official World Golf Rankings along with prominent figures in the sport.
Members of the U.S. Ryder Cup team, including Russell Henley, Ben Griffin, J.J. Spaun, and Collin Morikawa, headline the lineup, joined by captain Keegan Bradley. European players like Robert MacIntyre, Aaron Rai, and Harry Hall also make an appearance, complemented by an international group including Hideki Matsuyama, Si Woo Kim, Corey Conners, defending champion Nick Taylor, and Adam Scott.
While some players enter the new year with a clear sense of their position, many others are looking for a quick start. Notable newcomers from the Korn Ferry Tour, such as Johnny Keefer, are expected to make an impact, along with DP World Tour graduates like Kristoffer Reitan. PGA Tour sophomores including Matt McCarty, Ryan Gerard, and Michael Brennan have high expectations for their upcoming seasons alongside Maverick McNealy and Chris Gotterup, who both had promising last years.
Others, such as Billy Horschel and Sahith Theegala, are returning from injuries after inconsistent seasons. Jordan Spieth, who had a decent but not outstanding year in 2025 following wrist surgery, aims to find his stride again. Similarly, Tony Finau, Tom Kim, and Nick Dunlap hope to rebound from forgettable 2025 campaigns.
This new season symbolizes fresh hope, presenting every player with an opportunity to achieve their yearly goals starting Thursday morning. Waialae CC, a classic golf course known for its unique challenges despite its short length, will offer spectators plenty of excitement. The PGA Tour has returned. It’s time to enjoy the action.
2026 Sony Open Schedule
Dates: Jan. 15-18
Location: Waialae Country Club — Honolulu, Hawaii
Par: 70 | Yardage: 7,044 | Architect: Seth Raynor
Purse: $9,100,000
2026 Sony Open Field and Odds
Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook
- Russell Henley (11-1): A devoted fan of Henley, I’ve long recognized his potential. After a solid 2025, he faces the challenge of maintaining his trajectory. Nevertheless, Waialae CC is an excellent venue for his season opener, evidenced by his previous win in 2013 and good finishes in recent years.
- Ben Griffin (16-1): Griffin enters 2026 after a breakthrough year, winning three times and performing well in major championships. He has consistently made cuts at Waialae, showcasing his strong form.
- J.J. Spaun (20-1): Spaun has had a turnaround at Waialae, nearly making a playoff last year. His driving and wedge skills should serve him well in this setting.
- Collin Morikawa (20-1): Morikawa returns to the Sony Open after a break, aiming to regain his top form and improve his short game, essential for success at Waialae.
- Keegan Bradley (22-1): As a former Ryder Cup captain, Bradley may find more freedom this year, having performed admirably at Waialae in recent seasons.
- Hideki Matsuyama (22-1)
- Robert MacIntyre (22-1)
- Maverick McNealy (25-1)
- Si Woo Kim (25-1)
- Harry Hall (25-1)
2026 Sony Open Predictions
Who will win the Sony Open in Hawaii, and what longshots might surprise? Check out SportsLine to see the projected leaderboard, from a model that has accurately predicted 16 golf majors.
