While NFL Playoffs dominate the screens for many sports fans, there have been notable happenings in professional golf this weekend. If you didn’t catch it, here’s a summary of key observations as the early pro golf season unfolds.
1. Hawaii Swing Predictions
If the anticipated end of the Hawaii swing doesn’t happen, TGL’s “Stinger” hole might help predict success at the Sony Open. Maverick McNealy mentioned Waialae Country Club’s layout suits his style, enabling him to adjust his shot trajectory to optimize wind conditions. Chris Gotterup excelled all weekend, leading in Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee and securing a two-shot victory. With three PGA Tour wins under his belt at just 26, Gotterup is a strong candidate for a breakout year in 2026 following a near Ryder Cup selection last year.
2. Waialae and Colonial Correlation
Davis Riley highlighted a strong link between Waialae and Colonial, as both courses share similar Bermuda grass characteristics and attract similar players to the top of their leaderboards. Despite not finishing in the top 30 since the PGA Championship last May, Riley held a two-shot lead after 54 holes at Sony—his third such lead in his PGA Tour career, echoing his previous success at Colonial.
3. Morikawa’s Struggles Continue
Collin Morikawa failed to make the cut in his season debut at the Sony Open, reflecting ongoing challenges from a frustrating last year. His struggles included a poor bunker shot, while his putting was particularly costly. As he approaches 29, this year is crucial for Morikawa to refocus his career.
4. Singh’s Remarkable Performance
Vijay Singh, aged 62, managed to make the cut in a competitive PGA Tour event, finishing T-40 at the Sony Open while maintaining par or better across all rounds. This is an impressive achievement for one of the prominent players from the early 2000s.
5. Dunlap’s Resilience
Nick Dunlap’s persistence is commendable, as he consistently returns to the course despite challenges. Last season, he ranked last in Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee, and at the Sony, he lost 6.8 strokes off the tee but excelled with his irons. His ability to continue honing his skills amid difficulties is noteworthy.
6. Lowry’s Late Collapse
In the Middle East, Shane Lowry lost his one-shot lead at the Dubai Invitational after an error on the final hole led to a double bogey. Nacho Elvira capitalized by finishing strong, ultimately winning his third DP World Tour title, while Rory McIlroy placed T-3.
7. Equipment Updates
In other news, Adam Schupak reported that Marco Penge and Aldrich Potgieter have signed equipment deals with PXG. While this could signal improvements for PXG, it raises the question of how many players elevate their games after signing with them—something to consider as these talents join the lineup.
8. Manning’s Insight on Resilience
A recent clip featuring Peyton Manning underscores the importance of not becoming complacent. He advocates for taking the easy plays, which resonates in both football and golf. Scottie Scheffler, known for his consistency and mental discipline, epitomizes this philosophy, making him a standout player who remains focused regardless of prior successes.
