2026 PGA Tour Season Begins with Sony Open in Hawaii
News Summary
The 2026 PGA Tour season has officially commenced with the Sony Open in Hawaii. As players compete for a share of the $9.1 million purse, changes loom under the new PGA Tour CEO, Brian Rolapp, including a simplified schedule. This year’s tournament raises anticipation due to the potential farewell of Sony as a sponsor. Despite the absence of notable stars like Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, a strong field of 120 players, including past champions, promises an exciting competition at Waialae Country Club.
The 2026 PGA Tour Season Kicks Off with the Sony Open in Hawaii
Golf fans, the moment we’ve all been waiting for is finally here! The 2026 PGA Tour season is officially swinging into action this week with the iconic Sony Open in beautiful Hawaii. As players prepare to battle for their share of the hefty $9.1 million purse and those all-important first FedEx Cup points, there’s a mix of excitement and uncertainty surrounding this new season
Changes are Brewing
This year heralds change under the new PGA Tour CEO, Brian Rolapp. There’s chatter about potential adjustments aimed at simplifying and perhaps even reducing the tour schedule. That’s a big topic in the golf community, and it has many wondering what this means for the future of the tour. Notably, fans will miss the traditional opener, the Sentry Tournament of Champions, which was scrapped for this year, adding another layer to the anticipation for the Sony Open.
Farewell to an Iconic Sponsor
In a surprising twist, this could be the last year we see Sony as a sponsor for the tournament. The event may take on a new identity in the future, meaning this edition of the Sony Open might carry a little extra weight for players and fans alike.
A Diverse Field of Talent
Familiar Faces Returning
But don’t fret too much, as there are some past champions joining the fray. Defending champion Nick Taylor will be there, along with other prominent players such as Si Woo Kim, Zach Johnson, Patton Kizzire, Hideki Matsuyama, and golfing legend Vijay Singh. At the impressive age of 62, Singh will be hunting for glory using a career money list exemption for the season and will make an appearance as part of his Hawaii swing prior to transitioning to the PGA Tour Champions next week.
Top Contenders in the Mix
Among the players stirring up excitement are four golfers ranked in the top 10 of the Official World Golf Ranking. We have Russell Henley at No. 5, J.J. Spaun at No. 6, Robert MacIntyre at No. 7, and Ben Griffin at No. 8 all ready to make their marks. Additionally, big names like Jordan Spieth, Tony Finau, and Collin Morikawa will be in attendance, surely adding excitement to the vibes on the course.
Stars Opting Out
Interestingly, the world’s No. 1 player, Scottie Scheffler, has chosen to kick off his season at the American Express event over the Sony Open. Similarly, world No. 2 Rory McIlroy typically launches his year on the DP World Tour, opting to sit out this Hawaiian tournament. Their absence opens the door for other talented golfers to seize the spotlight!
When to Tune In
For those eager to catch the action, the tournament broadcasts kick off at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN+ with a primetime show at 7 p.m. ET on the Golf Channel. Mark your calendars; the tournament runs from January 15 to 18, 2026, at the stunning Waialae Country Club in Honolulu, Oahu.
With all this brewing excitement in the air, golf enthusiasts can’t help but wonder what the 2026 season has in store. Let’s grab our popcorn and prepare for an unforgettable opening event at the Sony Open!
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