Full Breakdown
Sony Championship Hawaii Launches as PGA Tour Champions Event
7/2/2026, 3:53:08 PM
Transition to a Champions Tour Tournament
The Sony Open will become the Sony Championship Hawaii, a PGA Tour Champions event at Waialae Country Club, Oahu, Jan. 11-16, 2027. The 78-player field, including 35 Hall of Fame members, will compete Thursday-Saturday, ending on Saturday.
Historical Context of Waialae Country Club
Waialae has hosted the Sony Open each year since 1965, featuring champions like Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino, Ernie Els, Vijay Singh and Zach Johnson. The 2027 shift makes it the first senior event at Waialae after the Sony Open’s 62-year run and the sixth former PGA Tour venue to host a Champions Tour event.
Key Stakeholders
Miller Brady (PGA Tour Champions President), Hiroki Totoki (Sony CEO), James Tokioka (Hawaii Tourism Authority Director), analyst Mark Rolfing and IMG (tournament operator) drive the transition.
Event Details and Statistics
The Sony Championship runs Jan. 11-16, 2027, with pro-ams Jan. 12-13 and competition Jan. 14-16. A $3 million purse funds 78 players; Sony’s 28-year partnership has donated over $27 million to local charities. IMG will manage the event and the Golf Channel will broadcast all rounds. It follows the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai.
Economic and Charitable Significance
The tournament boosts Hawaii tourism by showcasing Oahu to mainland viewers, especially in winter, while Sony’s charitable funding aids nonprofits serving families, seniors, children and low-income communities amid shrinking budgets.
Official Statements & Responses
Brady highlighted the partnership’s role in keeping senior golf on Oahu. Totoki stressed Sony’s “longstanding commitment to Hawaii” and plans to deepen business ties. Tokioka called the event a “vital step” for tourism and community benefits.
Criticism & Opposition
Some feared the PGA Tour’s exit would abandon Hawaii’s golf scene. Analyst Mark Rolfing countered that Sony’s involvement “saved golf on the island of Oahu,” noting the senior event fills the Sony Open week.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Sony has been an incredible PGA Tour partner since 1999, and we are looking forward to beginning this new era with the legends of the game competing on a truly iconic venue in Waialae Country Club,” — Miller Brady, PGA Tour Champions President
- “We look forward to continuing our commitment to the state of Hawaii, and also to welcoming back many of the players and champions who have been such an important part of our history,” — Hiroki Totoki, Sony Group Corp. President & CEO
- “Sony basically saved golf on the island of Oahu, as far as I’m concerned and the most amazing part about it is, it’s the same week as the Sony Open was, so there is no PGA Tour event that week,” — Mark Rolfing, Golf Analyst
- “You know, they’re in the Midwest, it’s freezing, they’re in the East Coast, it’s freezing and when they see that, they want to come to Hawaii.” — James Tokioka, Hawaii Tourism Authority Director
What’s Next
The inaugural Sony Championship will take place Jan. 11-16, 2027; IMG will run the event and the Golf Channel will provide live coverage. The tournament will be followed later in the season by the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai.
