Full Breakdown
2026 Sony Open in Hawaii: Final Round Preview
1/18/2026, 9:00:29 PM
Overview of the Event
The 2026 Sony Open in Hawaii, held at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu, marks the official start of the PGA Tour season. The tournament runs from January 15 to 18, 2026, following the cancellation of The Sentry due to logistical issues. With a total purse of $9.1 million, the event features a competitive field of 120 players, including several top-ranked golfers.
Current Leaderboard and Key Players
As of January 18, 2026, Davis Riley leads the tournament at 12 under par after a strong third-round performance, shooting a 3-under 67. He is two shots ahead of a trio of players: Harry Hall, Chris Gotterup, and Kevin Roy, all tied at 10 under. Riley's late surge included birdies on three of the last five holes, solidifying his position as the frontrunner heading into the final round.
Notable players in contention include:
- Davis Riley: Seeking his third PGA Tour victory.
- Harry Hall: Aiming for his second title, having previously won the 2024 ISCO Championship.
- Chris Gotterup: The Genesis Scottish Open champion, looking to capitalize on his current form.
- Kevin Roy: In pursuit of his first PGA Tour win.
Final Round Coverage and Viewing Information
The final round of the Sony Open will begin at 12:15 PM ET, with featured groups available on ESPN+ and main coverage on the Golf Channel starting at 7 PM ET. Tee times for the final round are staggered, with notable pairings including:
- 12:10 PM: Billy Horschel, Chad Ramey
- 1:45 PM: Denny McCarthy, Tom Hoge
- 6:05 PM: Davis Riley, Harry Hall
Weather Conditions
The weather forecast for Honolulu on the final day predicts near-perfect conditions for golf, with a high of 80 degrees and moderate winds from the east at 8 mph, gusting up to 22 mph. Players will need to navigate the coastal winds effectively, which can significantly impact scoring.
Implications of the Tournament
The Sony Open serves as a critical early-season event, offering players the opportunity to earn FedExCup points and establish momentum for the season ahead. The tournament's outcome could influence player rankings and set the tone for the rest of the PGA Tour season.
Official Statements & Responses
Davis Riley expressed his thoughts on his performance, stating, “I could feel myself a little tense... I started to just free up my swing a little bit.” He emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and managing the challenging conditions that can arise at Waialae.
What's Next
Following the Sony Open, players will transition to the mainland for subsequent events, including the Pebble Beach Pro-Am and the WM Phoenix Open. The results from this tournament will be closely watched as players prepare for these upcoming challenges.
The 2026 Sony Open in Hawaii promises to deliver an exciting conclusion, with several players in contention and the potential for dramatic finishes as the PGA Tour season officially kicks off.
