The Sony Open has been a PGA Tour event since 1965 and has been played at Waialae Country Club every year. It is normally the second event of the year but is kicking off the 2026 PGA Tour season because The Sentry was canceled due a water legal rights issue worsened by a drought in Hawaii.
Former LPGA major champion Michelle Wie played in this event four straight years in a row on sponsor invitations. 2017 champion Justin Thomas holds the tournament scoring record of 253, set that year. Thomas also set the course record in 2017, shooting an 11-under-59 during the first round.
Last year, Nick Taylor defeated Nico Echavarría in a playoff to claim his fifth career PGA Tour win. Four of the last six times this tournament was played, the winner has been decided by a playoff.
About Waialae Country Club
Waialae Country Club in Honolulu, HI, plays just over 7,000 yards as a par 70. The golf course was designed by Seth Raynor, who modeled some of the holes after other famous golf holes around the world. The first hole, for example, is designed to mimic the “Road Hole” from the Old Course at St Andrews.
Who to Watch at the 2026 Sony Open
The first event of the year features a star-studded field that includes four golfers ranked inside the top 10 of the OWGR. Defending champion Taylor is looking to become the sixth player to win this event multiple times, but we predict Harry Hall will earn his second career PGA Tour win. Hall Finished T10 here last year for one of his five top-10 finishes that led to him 17th place in the FedExCup standings.
How to Watch the 2026 Sony Open
You can watch coverage of the 2026 Sony Open on the Golf Channel and the NBC Sports App during the following windows. All times below are ET.
Thursday, January 15: 7:00pm-10:00pm ET on Golf Channel and the NBC Sports App
Friday, January 16: 7:00pm-10:00pm ET on Golf Channel and the NBC Sports App
Saturday, January 17: 7:00pm-10:00pm ET on Golf Channel and the NBC Sports App
Sunday, January 18: 7:00pm-10:00pm ET on Golf Channel and the NBC Sports App
