The 2026 PGA Tour Season Begins with Sony Open at Waialae
News Summary
The 2026 PGA Tour season has officially kicked off with the Sony Open at Waialae Country Club in East Honolulu. While some top players are absent, several exciting contenders are set to shine. Betting favorites like Russell Henley and Brian Harman have drawn attention, as fans anticipate surprises and thrilling competition. With the stage set, the tournament promises captivating moments for golf enthusiasts.
The 2026 PGA Tour Season Kicks Off with the Sony Open at Waialae
The wait is finally over! The 2026 PGA Tour season is officially underway, and it’s all set to get exciting as the first full-field event, the Sony Open, teed off at the stunning Waialae Country Club this Thursday. Located in East Honolulu, this beautiful course is ready to welcome golf enthusiasts from all over.
Who’s Missing the Action?
However, the tournament is missing some big names this year. Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, and Xander Schauffele are notable absentees, creating a bit of a void in the event. Fans are surely hoping these stars make their returns in future tournaments, but for now, we turn our attention to those who are taking the stage.
Top Contenders for the Sony Open
When it comes to betting favorites, Russell Henley is taking the lead with odds of 12/1, promising quite the performance as he looks for his sixth PGA Tour victory. Following him closely in the rankings are Ben Griffin and J.J. Spaun, both at 17/1, while Hideki Matsuyama has odds at 19/1. Let’s not forget Collin Morikawa, boasting a respectable 21/1 odds. It’ll be fascinating to see if these favorites can deliver or if there will be surprises along the way.
A Look Back at Waialae
History shows that Waialae is no stranger to long shots making headlines. In the last two tournaments, Nick Taylor and Grayson Murray shocked everyone with wins at 100/1 and 400/1, respectively. In fact, if we look closely, only one of the last six champions here was favored at odds less than 20/1. It’s safe to say that anything can happen at the Sony Open!
Dark Horses to Watch
One player definitely making waves is Brian Harman, who may be a solid bet at 50/1. He has impressively racked up eight top-25 finishes in previous Sony Open tournaments and had a strong performance in 2025, including a win and two top-five finishes. His experience and consistency at this course sure make him a player to keep an eye on.
Another name buzzing around is Haotong Li, who is riding high off a T8 finish at the DP World Tour Championship last November and a T10 finish at the NedBank Golf Challenge in December. After nabbing a 12th place finish at Waialae before and clinching a victory in 2025, he’s considered one of the hottest players around.
Mark Hubbard is another to mention, as he has seen nine top-15 finishes in the last two years. Even though he hasn’t contended at the Sony Open yet, his strong presence on comparable courses makes him one to watch.
Farewell To August and Long Shots
This tournament marks Jordan Spieth’s return to the PGA Tour after his last outing in August. With long-shot odds of +4500, there’s an air of excitement and uncertainty surrounding him. Will he reclaim his spot among the top golfers? Who knows!
Other Players to Consider
We also have Austin Eckroat and Seamus Power, who’ve been showing promising results lately and could very well surprise us all. Nico Echavarria, who was a runner-up last year, is coming in with positive performance trends this time around.
Expert Insights
As we gear up for the action ahead, expert Brady Kannon is also sharing predictions and best bets, building on a history of identifying outright winners. However, he’s cautioned against betting on Tom Hoge and Tony Finau due to their inconsistent recent performances.
With the stage set and eager fans waiting, the Sony Open is bound to bring us excitement and thrilling golf moments. Let’s see who will etch their name in history this year!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
2026 Sony Open Set to Begin at Waialae Country Club
2026 PGA Tour Season Begins with the Sony Open
Golf and Speed Unite: A New World Record Emerges!
2026 PGA Tour Season Opens with Sony Open
Ben Griffin Claims Victory at the Charles Schwab Challenge
Johnny Keefer Makes PGA Tour Debut After Meteoric Rise
Remembering Masashi ‘Jumbo’ Ozaki: A Golf Legend
New Opportunities for Golfers in UAE with 2025/26 Order of Merit
2026 Dubai Invitational Set to Bring Golfing Glory
2026 Dubai Invitational Golf Tournament Announced