The 2026 PGA Tour season is set to tee off with the Sony Open in Hawaii, drawing an impressive lineup of talent despite an unexpected delay to the season's start. This tournament, hosted at Waialae Country Club, has become the de facto opener after the traditional Sentry event was canceled. With ten of the top 25 players globally converging on Honolulu, the competition promises to be fierce. The event highlights the resilience of the tour and the dedication of its athletes, all eager to make an early mark in the new season.
The PGA Tour calendar for 2026 sees its beginning pushed back by a week, with the Sony Open in Hawaii now serving as the inaugural event. Traditionally, The Sentry (formerly the Sentry Tournament of Champions) would mark the start in the first full week of January. However, this year's Sentry was called off due to severe drought conditions impacting Maui. Consequently, the Sony Open assumes a more prominent role, attracting a stellar field that includes many of the sport's elite.
Among the distinguished participants are U.S. Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley, 2022 Sony Open victor Hideki Matsuyama from Japan, and two-time major champion Collin Morikawa. Morikawa, whose family roots are deeply embedded in the Hawaiian Islands, expressed his personal connection to the region. He shared his dismay over the recent fires and the resulting devastation in Lahaina, where his grandparents once resided. Despite these challenges, Morikawa conveyed his affection for the local culture and fans, emphasizing his delight in returning to the Sony Open.
Concerns have emerged regarding the future of the tour's Hawaiian events, with speculation that these stops might be removed from the schedule in upcoming seasons. This rumor is fueled by the situation in Maui and the impending conclusion of Sony's title sponsorship of the Honolulu tournament this year. Morikawa, reflecting on these uncertainties, stressed the importance of appreciating the present moment and striving to create lasting memories on the islands, hoping to secure a long-awaited victory there.
Many prominent golfers are using the Sony Open as an opportunity for a fresh start following periods of struggle. Jordan Spieth, who has not claimed a tournament win in nearly four years, is participating in the Sony for the first time since missing the cut in 2023. Similarly, South Korea's Tom Kim is looking to rebound after a challenging 2025 season saw him fall out of the world's top 100 rankings. The highest-ranked players in attendance are World No. 5 Russell Henley and No. 6 J.J. Spaun, the reigning U.S. Open champion, both of whom were integral members of the U.S. Ryder Cup team in September.
Defending champion Nick Taylor of Canada returns to Waialae Country Club, a par-70, 7,044-yard course. Taylor famously forced a playoff last year with Colombia's Nicolas Echavarria by chipping in for an eagle on the final hole of regulation, ultimately winning on the second playoff hole. He described the course conditions, noting that the greens are currently receptive, a typical early-week characteristic. He also highlighted the challenge of finding fairways amidst the doglegs, emphasizing the need for precise positioning. Taylor affirmed that the course remains largely consistent with previous years, setting the stage for another exciting competition.
The 2026 PGA Tour season kicks off with the Sony Open in Hawaii, featuring an impressive field including ten top-25 golfers. Despite the cancellation of The Sentry, this event promises high-stakes competition as players like Collin Morikawa, Jordan Spieth, and defending champion Nick Taylor vie for an early win. The tournament also draws attention to the future of Hawaiian events on the tour, amidst local challenges and expiring sponsorships.