Sony Open in Hawaii

Your weekly guide to fantasy golf on the PGA TOUR

⛳ This week on the PGA TOUR

• Tournament: Sony Open in Hawaii
• Date: January 15-18, 2026
• Venue: Waialae Country Club, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
• Purse: $9,100,000 (winner $1.63 million)
• Course Details: A classic seaside design by Seth Raynor, this par-70 layout measures 7,044 yards and demands precision over raw power. Its narrow fairways and strategically placed bunkers reward accurate driving, while small, contoured greens challenge approach shots and putting. Trade winds often add an extra layer of complexity, making ball flight control and creativity around the greens essential for success.
• Weather: Tournament days are expected to be mostly sunny and mild, with highs in the mid-70s to upper-70s °F and light winds, creating ideal playing conditions throughout the event.
• FedEx Points: 500 points to the winner.

The Sony Open in Hawaii kicks off the 2026 PGA Tour season at the picturesque Waialae Country Club—a tight, tree-lined, par‑70 seaside layout where precision is king and the trade winds off the Pacific add plenty of strategic intrigue. With Sony reportedly wrapping up its long-standing sponsorship, this week’s event feels especially nostalgic and competitive. The 120-player field features a mix of seasoned champions and rising stars, including defending winner Nick Taylor, former Sony champ Hideki  Matsuyama, Collin  Morikawa, Jordan  Spieth, Russell  Henley, Ben  Griffin, and emerging contender J.J. Spaun—all vying to earn the first 500 FedExCup points of the year.

Past Champions:

• 2025: Nick Taylor (‑16)
• 2024: Grayson Murray (‑17)
• 2023: Si Woo Kim (‑18)
• 2022: Hideki Matsuyama (‑23)
• 2021: Kevin Na (‑21)

🏌️ Players to Watch (and a Few to Fade)

The Sony Open in Hawaii always rewards precision and patience, and this year’s field is stacked with players who fit that mold. Past champions and elite ball-strikers headline the lineup, while a few big names may struggle against Waialae’s tight fairways and swirling trade winds. Success here often comes down to approach play and putting, making course history and recent form critical for fantasy decisions.

Here are some notable names to consider—and a few to be wary of:

• Collin Morikawa – Elite ball-striker who thrives on accuracy; his controlled trajectory is perfect for windy conditions.
• Hideki Matsuyama – Former winner here (2022) with a stellar short game; recent form suggests he’s trending upward.
• Jordan Spieth – Creativity around the greens makes him dangerous, though his driver can be erratic on tight fairways.
• Russell Henley – Past champion (2013) and consistent performer at Waialae; excellent approach play suits this layout.
• Nick Taylor – Defending champion; confidence and course familiarity could give him an edge.

Potential Fades:

• Tony Finau – Strong off the tee, but his ball-striking can be inconsistent, and Waialae’s precision-demanding layout may highlight any erratic play. 
• Sahith Theegala – A talented iron player, but his lack of past success at Waialae and mixed finishes in windy coastal conditions make him a riskier fantasy selection this week.

🤔 Fantasy Strategy

Waialae rewards accuracy, smart course management, and hot putters—not bombers. Target players with strong Strokes Gained: Approach, Driving Accuracy, and Putting stats. Wind can play a role, so those with proven success in coastal conditions get a boost. Avoid relying on pure distance; this course neutralizes power.

Sleepers to Consider:

• Ben Griffin – Accurate off the tee and strong on approach; quietly posted good finishes on similar layouts.
• Adam Svensson – Excellent iron player who thrives on precision tracks; could surprise with a top-10.
• Eric Cole – Solid iron play and putting upside make him a sneaky value option.
• Adam Long – Accurate off the tee and has shown flashes on similar layouts; fits the Waialae profile well.

⭐️ Pro Tip: Prioritize accurate iron players and strong putters over bombers—Waialae rewards precision and course management, not raw distance.

Looking to run a fantasy contest this week?

Add this week’s tournament to your existing Majors Challenge league or start a new one and invite your friends to join the action.

💰 Select Betting Odds

Top Favorites
Russell Henley +1100
Ben Griffin +1700
Hideki Matsuyama +1700
J.J. Spaun +1800
Collin Morikawa +2000

Mid Tier Contenders
Chris Kirk +3500
Jordan Spieth +3500
Chris Gotterup +4500
Aaron Rai +4500
Brian Harman +5000

Long Shots
Tom Kim +10000
Tony Finau +10000
Jacob Bridgeman +12000
Austin Eckroat +13000
Nick Dunlap +20000

Looking for more articles, help with your picks or One-And-Done strategy?

Check with the experts at Pool Genius.

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