The PGA Tour golf tournament calendar officially kicked into high gear this past weekend with the Sony Open in Hawaii, the first full-field event of the 2026 season. For golf fans, bettors, and anyone tracking early-season form, this tournament delivered exactly what January golf should: tight leaderboards, shifting conditions, surprise contenders, and a reminder that accuracy still beats power on the right course.
At Tee Time Tavern, PGA Tour golf tournaments aren’t just background noise — they’re appointment viewing. Whether you’re watching with a beer in hand or breaking down numbers between simulator sessions, the Sony Open gave us plenty to talk about.
Sony Open in Hawaii: A Classic PGA Tour Test
The Sony Open was played at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu, Hawaii. This par-70 layout measures just over 7,000 yards and puts a premium on precision off the tee, disciplined iron play, and elite wedge control.
Unlike many modern PGA Tour golf tournaments that favor bomb-and-gouge strategies, Waialae forces players to throttle back. Narrow fairways lined with palm trees, crosswinds from the Pacific, and firm Bermuda greens create a chess match where positioning matters more than distance.
That setup played a major role in how the leaderboard shook out.
Winner and Key Results
Chris Gotterup emerged as the champion, finishing at -16 (264) after a composed and clinical final-round 6-under 64. His win marked the third PGA Tour victory of his career, earning him $1,638,000, along with 500 FedExCup points.
Gotterup entered Sunday chasing the leaders, overtook third-round leader Davis Riley, and held off a late push from Ryan Gerard with steady ball-striking and timely birdies. For bettors, this was a classic example of mid-tier value cashing — Gotterup opened the week at +5000, rewarding anyone who trusted his recent form despite inconsistent putting stats.
Top 10 Finishers – Sony Open in Hawaii
| Position | Player | Total | R1 | R2 | R3 | R4 | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chris Gotterup | -16 | 63 | 69 | 68 | 64 | $1,638,000 |
| 2 | Ryan Gerard | -14 | 69 | 64 | 68 | 65 | $991,900 |
| 3 | Patrick Rodgers | -13 | 66 | 67 | 69 | 65 | $627,900 |
| T4 | Robert MacIntyre | -12 | 67 | 71 | 67 | 63 | $409,500 |
| T4 | Jacob Bridgeman | -12 | 69 | 68 | 67 | 64 | $409,500 |
| T6 | Taylor Pendrith | -11 | 69 | 68 | 68 | 64 | $300,300 |
| T6 | Lee Hodges | -11 | 66 | 70 | 69 | 64 | $300,300 |
| T8 | Davis Riley | -11 | 66 | 65 | 69 | 69 | $245,700 |
| T8 | Daniel Berger | -11 | 68 | 70 | 68 | 65 | $245,700 |
| T8 | Robby Shelton | -11 | 67 | 68 | 70 | 66 | $245,700 |
Field Strength and Pre-Tournament Expectations
The Sony Open featured a full field of 144 players, blending established stars, international talent, and Korn Ferry Tour graduates eager to make early-season noise.
Pre-tournament favorites included Russell Henley, Hideki Matsuyama, Ben Griffin, J.J. Spaun, Si Woo Kim (a former champion at Waialae), Robert MacIntyre, Jordan Spieth, and defending champion Nick Taylor. International depth came from players like Matsuyama (Japan) and MacIntyre (Scotland), while several young players used the week to announce their presence.
Notably, Collin Morikawa struggled and finished outside the top 50 — a reminder that Waialae rewards control and comfort more than raw talent.
Opening Odds and a Bettor’s Lesson
One of the most interesting elements of this PGA Tour golf tournament was how wide-open the betting market appeared heading into Thursday.
Top opening odds included:
- Russell Henley: +1100
- Hideki Matsuyama: +1700
- Ben Griffin: +1700
- J.J. Spaun: +1800
- Si Woo Kim: +2000
Meanwhile, Gotterup sat well behind the favorites at +5000. This tournament reinforced a recurring lesson for bettors: short courses with narrow fairways create volatility, and elite iron players with confidence can close the gap quickly.
Four Unique Things About Waialae Country Club
- Historic Pedigree – Founded in 1927 and designed by Seth Raynor, the course draws inspiration from classic links-style architecture.
- Deceptive Length – While it stretches to 7,125 yards from the tips, it played at 7,044 yards for the Sony Open — short by modern standards.
- Longevity – Waialae has hosted the Sony Open since 1965, making it the longest-running PGA Tour venue in Hawaii.
- Tournament Greens – Tifdwarf Bermuda overseeded with winter ryegrass produces fast, firm surfaces that reward precision over aggression.
What’s Next on the PGA Tour
The PGA Tour now heads to California for The American Express (January 22–25, 2026). This pro-am rotates across three courses in La Quinta and is known for low scoring, birdie streaks, and aggressive play, offering a sharp contrast to Waialae’s disciplined test.
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