The Sony Open in Hawaii is the first PGA Tour event of the year for 2026 and brings a strong mix of talent to Waialae Country Club from January 15-18.
After the cancellation of The Sentry, the Sony Open opens the 2026 PGA Tour season and is played at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu.
A classic tree‑lined par‑70, Waialae rewards accuracy, precise wedge play and hot putting rather than raw power and regularly produces winning scores pushing beyond 20‑under par when trade winds are calm.
A field of more than 140 players assembles in the 2026 opener, including recent PGA Tour winners, FedExCup contenders and graduates looking to secure early status with a big week in Hawaii.
Russell Henley and Ben Griffin heading the market, and with big names like Collin Morikawa, Hideki Matsuyama and Jordan Spieth also in the field we are set for a storming start to the year.
Current 2026 Sony Open in Hawaii Betting Odds
| Player | Odds |
|---|---|
| Russell Henley | +1200 |
| Ben Griffin | +1700 |
| J.J. Spaun | +1700 |
| Hideki Matsuyama | +1900 |
| Collin Morikawa | +2100 |
| Keegan Bradley | +2100 |
| Si Woo Kim | +2100 |
| Robert McIntyre | +2300 |
| Corey Conners | +2600 |
Leading Sony Open 2026 Contenders
Russell Henley
Former Sony Open champion Russell Henley is one of the most accurate drivers and iron players in this field and returns to Waialae as the market favourite.
Henley’s combination of fairways hit, sharp wedges and confidence on Bermuda greens makes him an obvious pick on a course where he has already lifted the trophy back in 2013.
Ben Griffin
Ben Griffin is rated just behind Henley in most sportsbooks after a run of consistent finishes on similar coastal, wind‑affected layouts in 2025.
His strengths in approach play and putting have pushed him into the conversation as a first‑time PGA Tour winner, and Waialae’s setup should suit his profile perfectly.
Hideki Matsuyama
Hideki Matsuyama, a multiple PGA Tour winner and former Masters champion, brings elite tee‑to‑green quality to Honolulu where he won in 2022.
If the putter cooperates for four days, Matsuyama’s ball‑striking advantage on a second‑shot course like Waialae can quickly translate into a serious run at the title.
Collin Morikawa
Collin Morikawa shares a similar quote to Matsuyama in the betting and that reflects his status as one of the best iron players in the world.
Narrow fairways and small targets into greens accentuate his approach‑play edge, so any sign of a warm putter could see him separate from the pack.
J.J. Spaun
JJ Spaun is firmly in the chasing group and his chances are possible thanks to his tidy all‑round game and comfort on shorter, positional layouts.
Solid recent form and a profile built on accuracy rather than power make him a logical candidate to contend if scoring turns into a grind.
James is an avid golfer and reviews golf equipment and new gear for GolfReviewsGuide.com as well as providing the latest golf news. You will find him on a golf course wherever possible.