2026 PGA Tour Season Begins with the Sony Open

News Summary

The 2026 PGA Tour season launches with the Sony Open at Waialae Country Club. While notable players like Scheffler and McIlroy are absent, the tournament features several strong contenders, including Russell Henley and Hideki Matsuyama. With a rich history at this venue, fans can expect surprises as betting odds fluctuate. Tune in for live coverage and explore betting opportunities as the tournament unfolds.

The 2026 PGA Tour Season Off to a Splashy Start with the Sony Open

Mark your calendars, golf fans! The 2026 PGA Tour season is officially kicking off this Thursday afternoon with the eagerly awaited Sony Open at the stunning Waialae Country Club in East Honolulu. This event is particularly exciting as it marks the first full-field tournament of the PGA Tour season, giving fans plenty of action to sink their teeth into after the off-season.

Notable Absences Weighing Heavy

Now, while the excitement is palpable, it’s worth noting that the star power is a bit dim this year. Golfing heavyweights like Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, and Xander Schauffele won’t be teeing it up this week. Their absence raises eyebrows, but that doesn’t mean the tournament will be devoid of talent. In fact, the field is still packed with big names ready to battle it out for the title.

Finding a Favorite

Looking at the odds, it’s clear that Russell Henley is the lukewarm favorite at 12/1 to grab the win. Hot on his heels are Ben Griffin and J.J. Spaun, both listed at 17/1, with Hideki Matsuyama right behind at odds of 19/1. Collin Morikawa comes in slightly later at 21/1. Betting enthusiasts will want to keep an eye on these golfers as they prepare to make a name for themselves in the season opener.

History Sways the Odds

Let’s take a peek at some historical trends. In the past six tournaments at Waialae, only one winner has broken the 20/1 barrier. Hideki Matsuyama won in 2022, while surprising past victors like Nick Taylor and Grayson Murray came out of nowhere with astounding odds of 100/1 and 400/1, respectively. This highlights the unpredictable nature of golf and makes it all the more thrilling for fans and bettors alike.

Long Shots and Fan Favorites

If you’re intrigued by potential long shots, consider Brian Harman. At 50/1, he’s been a reliable player at this event since 2012, boasting five top-25 finishes and a T4 back in 2018. Additionally, Haotong Li is making a name for himself, finishing T8 at the DP World Tour Championship and T10 at the NedBank Golf Challenge. He also has a solid course history with a T12 last year at Waialae.

Another exciting contender is Mark Hubbard, who has secured nine top-15 finishes over the last two seasons, with his best showing last year being T21 at the Sony Open. Many believe he has what it takes to make significant noise during the tournament.

How to Watch and Bet

The action kicks off on Thursday, and Golf Channel will have you covered with live coverage starting at 7 p.m. ET. For those itching to make the experience even more thrilling, various sportsbooks are offering promotions, including a sweet deal for new users at FanDuel Sportsbook, where you can snag $300 in bonus bets with just a $5 wager. A word of caution, though: always remember that betting is designed for entertainment and comes with no guarantees.

An Unexpected Opening

Interestingly, the Sentry Tournament of Champions was canceled this year, making the Sony Open the grand opener for the PGA Tour season. As the defending champion, Nick Taylor returns, and his odds to repeat are set at 30/1. It will be fascinating to see how he performs and if he can replicate last year’s success.

With the stage set and excitement lingering in the air, the Sony Open promises to deliver a thrilling start to the 2026 PGA Tour. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, this tournament should provide excitement and entertainment. So get your remote ready, tune into Golf Channel, and enjoy the show!

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