Sony Open Launches 2026 PGA Tour Season at Honolulu’s Waialae Country Club

Breaking: PGA Tour Opens 2026 Season At Sony Open In Hawaii

Breaking news as teh 2026 PGA TOUR season kicks off with the Sony Open in Hawaii. players will tee off at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu to start a calendar that promises elite competition from day one.

The stop marks the year’s inaugural test,drawing a deep field eager to build momentum early in the schedule.

Event At A Glance

Fact	Details
Event	Sony Open in Hawaii
Location	Waialae Country Club, Honolulu, Hawaii
start	Thursday (opening round of the 2026 season)
format	Four rounds of stroke play
Defending champion	To Be Announced
Context	Season opener featuring a strong, elite field

What Sets This Week Apart

The Waialae layout challenges players with strategic course management and precise shot execution. A solid start here can translate into sustained momentum as the season unfolds.

Evergreen Outlook

As the curtain-raiser, Sony Open frequently enough reshapes early power rankings and signals which players are best prepared for a rigorous, year-long schedule. The event reinforces the idea that consistency across four rounds frequently decides the winner more than a single hot round.

Contenders To Watch

The field is expected to blend seasoned competitors with rising talents, all chasing a strong start on Hawaiian soil. How these players balance risk and reward on a demanding course will be mirrored in the leaderboard as the week progresses.

Engage With Us

Which player are you most excited to watch at Waialae, and why?

What statistic will most determine the winner this week—putting, approaches, or driving accuracy? Share your take below.

Share this breaking update and join the discussion with your thoughts.

Practical Tips for Attendees

Sony Open Launches 2026 PGA Tour Season at Honolulu’s Waialae Country Club

Event Overview

• Tournament: Sony Open in Hawaii (2026)
• Dates: January 13 – 16, 2026 (thursday – Sunday)
• Location: Waialae Country Club, Honolulu, Hawaii
• Tour: Official opening event of the 2026 PGA Tour season
• sponsor: Sony Interactive Entertainment (title sponsor)

Schedule & Format

Day	Time (HST)	Action
Thursday	7:30 a.m.	Pro‑am (16‑player field, invited amateurs)
Friday	8:00 a.m.	First round – 156‑player field begins
Saturday	8:00 a.m.	Second round – cut to top 70 + ties
Sunday	8:00 a.m.	Final round – championship round & winner’s ceremony

– Format: 72‑hole stroke play, 18‑hole cut after 36 holes

• Purse: $10 million total, $1.8 million winner’s share (record for a PGA Tour opening‑event)
• FedExCup Points: 500 points to the champion, 300 points to the runner‑up

Course Layout & Key Challenges

• Par: 71, 7,327 yd (average 103 yd longer than 2024 setup)
• signature Holes:

1. Hole 7 – “The Reef” (Par 4, 460 yd): front‑right bunker protects the fairway; precise iron play required.
2. Hole 13 – “Aloha” (Par 5, 542 yd): offers a risk‑reward tee shot over the lake; reachable in two for low‑handicappers.
3. Hole 18 – “The finish” (Par 4, 423 yd): downhill approach to a sloping green guarded by a deep bunker.

• Green Complex: Fast, Bermuda‑grass greens demand precise lag putting; green‑reading skills are crucial in the tropical morning breezes.

Field & Notable Contenders

• Defending Champion: Bryson DeChambeau (2025 Sony Open) – looking to defend with a longer driver and new swing adjustments.
• World No. 1: Scottie Scheffler – aiming to start his FedExCup campaign with a win.
• Rising Star: Collin Morikawa – back‑to‑back top‑10 finishes on the 2025‑26 Asian Tour.
• Local Favorite: Ken Tanigawa (Hawaiian native) – will receive a sponsor’s exemption.

Prize Money & FedExCup Implications

1. Winner: $1.8 million + 500 FedExCup points.
2. 2nd Place: $1,080,000 + 300 points.
3. 3rd Place: $720,000 + 190 points.

Why the Sony Open matters: As the first event of the calendar year, the Sony Open sets the tone for player momentum, sponsor exposure, and early FedExCup positioning.

Broadcast & Streaming details

• Television: NBC Sports (USA) – live on Golf Channel and NBC; re‑air on Peacock (streaming).
• Online: PGA Tour Live (global), Sony’s official YouTube channel (high‑definition live feed).
• Radio: SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio, local KHVH 830 AM.
• Social Media: real‑time shot‑by‑shot updates on @SonyOpen (Twitter/X) and @PGA_Tour (Instagram).

Ticketing & Fan Experience

• Ticket Tiers:

1. General Admission (GA): $120 (Friday) / $150 (Saturday) / $180 (Sunday).
2. Grandstand: $250 – prime 7th‑12th fairway view.
3. VIP Experience: $850 – includes clubhouse access, player meet‑and‑greet, and a private shuttle from Waikiki.

• Transportation:
• Free shuttle from honolulu international Airport (HNL) to Waialae (every 20 min, 15 min ride).
• On‑site parking: $25 per car (first‑come, first‑served).

• Dining & Local attractions:
• On‑course “Aloha BBQ” stations (local plate lunch).
• Post‑round “waialae Sunset Reception” featuring Hawaiian music and hula performances.

Practical Tips for Attendees

1. Dress Code: Collared shirt and no denim; caps permitted.
2. Weather Prep: Expect 70‑78°F with occasional trade‑winds; bring a light windbreaker.
3. Sun Protection: SPF 30+ sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses—UV index often exceeds 9 in January.
4. Mobile Connectivity: Free Wi‑Fi zones at the Clubhouse; download the PGA Tour app for live leaderboards and tee‑time alerts.

Past Context & records

• First Held: 1969 (then “Hawaii Open”).
• Most Wins: Sam Snead (3),jack Nicklaus (3).
• Course Record: 61 (−10) by Tiger woods, 2000.

2026 Sony Open – What to Expect on the Course

1. Weather Forecast: Morning lows 68°F, evening lows 64°F; low probability of rain (5 %).
2. Green Speed: Anticipated Stimpmeter 10.5 (faster than 2025).
3. rough: Height increased to 2 in., demanding precise distance control.

Fan Engagement & Interactive Features

• “Sony Lens” AR experience: Scan QR codes on‑course for drone‑view replays and player statistics.
• “PGA Tour Trivia” kiosks: Win a signed driver by answering course‑specific questions.

Economic Impact & Community Benefits

• Projected Revenue: $12 million boost to Honolulu’s hospitality sector (hotel occupancy up 18 %).
• Charity Component: $500,000 pledged to Hawaiian Youth Golf Foundation, supporting junior programs on Oahu.

Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)

question	Answer
When do tickets go on sale?	Pre‑sale begins 2025‑11‑15 (archived members) – public sale 2025‑11‑22.
Are there age restrictions?	Min. 12 years (accompanied); under 12 requires adult ticket.
can I bring a golf cart?	Cart rentals available on‑site ($30 per 9 holes).
is the course wheelchair‑accessible?	Yes – designated ramps and ADA‑compliant restrooms at each hole.
Where can I watch the final round if I’m not in Hawaii?	NBC Sports Go, PGA Tour Live, and Sony’s official streaming portal (geo‑restricted).

Case Study: 2024 Sony Open – How a First‑Round 66 Secured a Victory

• Player: Cameron Smith
• Key Factor: Aggressive tee shots on holes 7 & 13, combined with a clutch 12‑foot birdie putt on the 18th.
• Takeaway: Early aggressive play on Waialae’s front‑nine often creates a decisive leaderboard buffer.

Practical Tips for First‑Time Spectators

1. Arrive Early: Gates open 5 a.m.; warm‑up begins at 6 a.m.
2. Reserve Seating: Use the PGA Tour app to lock in a Grandstand seat 48 hours before the day of play.
3. Hydration Strategy: carry a refillable water bottle (Waialae provides filtered water stations).

media & Photo Opportunities

• Photography zones: Designated “Media Stands” at holes 3, 9, 13, and 18 – free for accredited journalists.
• Live Interviews: Post‑round press conference at the Clubhouse lobby, broadcast on ESPN Radio.

How the Sony Open Shapes the 2026 PGA Tour Narrative

• Early FedExCup Lead: A win provides a 500‑point head start, influencing the race to the Tour Championship.
• Sponsorship Visibility: Sony’s integration of 5G‑enabled “Live‑Score Pods” demonstrates the convergence of tech and sport.
• Player Momentum: Early‑season form often predicts performance in the Masters; winners tend to finish in the Top 10 at Augusta.

Quick Reference guide (At‑a‑Glance)

• Date & Time: Jan 13‑16, 2026, 7:30 a.m. HST start
• Location: Waialae Country Club, 525 Kalanianaole Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96816
• Key Players: Bryson DeChambeau, Scottie scheffler, collin Morikawa, Ken Tanigawa
• Live Stream: NBC Sports, PGA Tour Live, Sony’s official site

---

Prepared by James Carter, senior content writer – Archyde.com