Welcome to CaddyBytes' coverage of the Sony Open in Hawaii, the PGA Tour's first full-field event of the calendar year and Hawaii's longest-running professional golf tournament. Established in 1965, this prestigious event marks the beginning of the PGA Tour's annual Hawaiian swing and has become a cherished tradition in professional golf.
The Sony Open in Hawaii features a full field of 144 players competing at the historic Waialae Country Club, offering a beautiful tropical backdrop for the start of the PGA Tour season. As the first full-field event after the limited-field Sentry Tournament of Champions, it provides opportunities for both established stars and rising talents to make their mark early in the season.
With a rich history dating back nearly six decades, the Sony Open has crowned legendary champions including Hubert Green, Ernie Els, Vijay Singh, and more recently, Cameron Smith and Hideki Matsuyama. The tournament not only showcases world-class golf but also celebrates Hawaiian culture and traditions, making it one of the most unique and beloved stops on the PGA Tour schedule.
Sony Open in Hawaii
2026 Sony Open in Hawaii
Tournament Details
Date: January 15-18, 2026
Location: Waialae CC, Honolulu
Field: 144 PGA Tour professionals
First full-field event of the PGA Tour season.
Tournament DetailsSony Open in Hawaii History (1965 - Present)
2026 Sony Open in Hawaii
Upcoming Event
Waialae Country Club
Full field of 144 PGA Tour players
$7.9 million purse
FedExCup points and full exemption
2025 Sony Open in Hawaii
Recent Champion
Waialae Country Club
Part of PGA Tour's Hawaiian swing
Follows Sentry Tournament of Champions
500 FedExCup points to winner
2020s Sony Open
Modern Champions
Waialae Country Club
Hideki Matsuyama won in 2022
Kevin Na claimed 2021 victory
Cameron Smith champion in 2020
2010s Sony Open
Memorable Victories
Waialae Country Club
Matt Kuchar won in 2019
Patton Kizzire claimed 2018 title
Justin Thomas set scoring record in 2017
2000s Sony Open
Tournament Growth
Waialae Country Club
Sony became title sponsor in 1999
Ernie Els won three times (2003-05)
Vijay Singh champion in 2005
Tournament Format
Full-Field Event
144 Players Compete
72-hole stroke play format
Top 65 and ties make the cut
Full FedExCup points awarded
Historic Venue
Waialae Country Club
Seth Raynor Design
Host venue since tournament inception
Course Details:
Par 70, 7,044 yards
Hawaiian Celebration
Cultural Tradition
Aloha Spirit
Celebrates Hawaiian traditions
Lei ceremonies for players
Local community involvement
Historic Champions
Legendary Winners
Golf Greats
Hubert Green won three times
Ernie Els three-time champion
Lanny Wadkins, Corey Pavin winners
The Sony Open in Hawaii Legacy
The Sony Open in Hawaii has established an impressive legacy as one of the PGA Tour's most cherished and historic events since its inception in 1965. Originally known as the Hawaiian Open, the tournament has evolved into a cornerstone of the PGA Tour schedule, marking the beginning of each new season with the spirit of Aloha and world-class competition.
The tournament's unique position as the first full-field event of the calendar year creates special opportunities for both established stars and rising talents. With 500 FedExCup points awarded to the champion and a $7.9 million purse, the Sony Open often sets the tone for the season ahead while celebrating nearly six decades of professional golf in paradise.
Beyond the competition, the Sony Open's deep connection to Hawaiian culture and community represents one of professional golf's most beautiful traditions. From the opening ceremonies featuring traditional Hawaiian music and dance to the lei presentations for players, the tournament authentically embraces and honors its host culture while raising millions for local charities through The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation.
As the tournament continues to thrive at the historic Waialae Country Club, it maintains its core identity as both a competitive showcase and a celebration of the Hawaiian islands. The event's longevity, combined with its beautiful setting and meaningful community impact, has made the Sony Open in Hawaii a beloved institution that perfectly captures golf's ability to blend elite competition with cultural celebration and charitable purpose.