Sony Open in Hawaii 2026

The Sony Open in Hawaii 2026 returns to the legendary Waialae Country Club from January 12-18, 2026, marking the 28th year that Sony has sponsored this prestigious PGA Tour event. As the first full-field tournament of the calendar year, the Sony Open attracts 120 of the world's top golf professionals to compete for a $7.9 million purse while showcasing the natural beauty of Oahu to a global television audience.

Located just minutes from Waikiki Beach in Honolulu's prestigious Kahala neighborhood, Waialae Country Club offers spectators an unparalleled combination of championship golf and tropical paradise. The tournament serves as both a world-class sporting event and Hawaii's largest charity golf fundraiser, having generated over $24 million for local nonprofits since Sony's sponsorship began in 1999.

Tournament Schedule and Key Events

Practice Rounds and Pro-Ams: January 12-14, 2026

The tournament week begins on Monday, January 12 with the traditional tournament blessing at 9:30 AM, followed by the Dream Cup Pro-Am and Monday Pro-Am with free admission for spectators. Tuesday, January 13 features practice rounds beginning at 8:00 AM, offering fans their first opportunity to watch the world's best golfers navigate Waialae's challenging layout.

Wednesday, January 14 showcases the Official Pro-Am starting at 7:00 AM, where PGA Tour professionals team with amateur partners including celebrities, business leaders, and high-profile guests. A concurrent Satellite Pro-Am takes place at Hoakalei Country Club beginning at 9:30 AM, expanding the tournament's community reach across Oahu.

Championship Rounds: January 15-18, 2026

The four-day championship begins Thursday, January 15 at 7:10 AM with the first round, where all 144 players in the field compete for position heading into the weekend. Friday, January 16 features the second round starting at 7:00 AM, after which the field is cut to the low 65 players and ties for weekend competition.

Saturday, January 17 and Sunday, January 18 showcase the final two rounds beginning at 8:00 AM, culminating in the awards ceremony at the 18th green following Sunday's conclusion. The tournament's unique format finishing at the par-5 18th hole has produced memorable playoff finishes, including recent dramatic victories by Nick Taylor and Grayson Murray.

Waialae Country Club: A Seth Raynor Masterpiece

Waialae Country Club opened on February 1, 1927, designed by legendary golf course architect Seth Raynor and his associate Charles Banks. Tragically, Raynor died of pneumonia in January 1926, one year before his Hawaiian masterpiece opened for play, making Waialae one of his final and most enduring designs.

Course Design and Features

The 7,020-yard, par-70 layout features Raynor's signature "ideal holes" inspired by famous holes from courses around the world. The course incorporates template designs from St. Andrews (Road Hole), National Golf Links (Short hole), North Berwick (Redan), and Biarritz Golf Club, creating a unique collection of world-famous hole concepts in tropical paradise.

Waialae's iconic coconut palms form the living "W" logo behind the 7th green, creating one of golf's most recognizable and photographed backdrops with the Pacific Ocean serving as the ultimate water hazard. The course features 83 strategically placed bunkers, fairways lined with coconut, monkey pod, and kiawe trees, and Bermuda grass playing surfaces maintained to PGA Tour standards.

Recent Restoration Efforts

Golf course architect Tom Doak has been working with Waialae in recent years to restore Raynor's original design concepts, including the redan-style 17th hole with its large left bunker and four smaller right-side bunkers. These restoration efforts ensure that modern players experience Raynor's intended strategic challenges while maintaining the course's championship credentials.

Tournament History and Legacy

From Hawaiian Open to Sony Sponsorship

The tournament began in 1965 as the Hawaiian Open, making it one of the longest-running events on the PGA Tour. Originally conceived as a fall tournament, the event moved to its current January date in 1971 and has remained Hawaii's signature professional golf event for over five decades.

Sony Corporation became the title sponsor in 1999, creating one of the longest-running corporate partnerships in professional golf. United Airlines served as the title sponsor from 1991-1998, preceding Sony's 28-year commitment that extends through 2026.

Notable Champions and Records

Five players have captured multiple Sony Open victories: Hubert Green, Corey Pavin, Lanny Wadkins, Ernie Els, and Jimmy Walker, each winning twice. Els (2003, 2004) and Walker (2014, 2015) achieved back-to-back victories, while all five multiple winners have also captured major championships.

Local golf history was made when Ted Makalena won in 1966 and David Ishii claimed victory in 1990, representing the only two Hawaii-born champions in tournament history. In 1983, Isao Aoki became Japan's first PGA Tour winner with a dramatic eagle-3 on the 72nd hole, holing out a wedge shot to defeat Jack Renner by one stroke.

John Huston set a remarkable scoring record in 1998, shooting 28-under par to break Ben Hogan's PGA Tour record that had stood since 1945. The tournament also gained attention for granting four consecutive sponsor invitations to teenage phenom Michelle Wie from 2004-2007, beginning when she was just 14 years old.

Community Impact and Charitable Mission

Friends of Hawaii Charities

The Friends of Hawaii Charities organizes the Sony Open and directs all tournament proceeds to benefit Hawaii's nonprofit community. Since 1999, the organization has generated over $24 million for more than 350 Hawaii charities, with annual distributions now exceeding $1.2 million.

The organization's four-year partnership with Hawaii Community Foundation focuses funding on three critical areas: helping families transition out of poverty through the ALICE Initiative, supporting kupuna aging in place programs, and increasing healthy development opportunities for under-resourced children ages 0-5 through the Promising Minds Initiative.

Economic Impact

The Sony Open generates significant economic benefits for Hawaii, attracting visitors from around the world while showcasing Oahu to millions of television viewers. The tournament's $7.9 million purse, combined with visitor spending on accommodations, dining, and activities, creates substantial revenue for the local tourism industry.

Spectator Experience and Amenities

Ticket Information and Pricing

General admission tickets for the Sony Open start at approximately $64 for practice rounds and early tournament days, with weekend rounds commanding premium pricing. Multi-day packages and premium experiences offer enhanced viewing opportunities and hospitality amenities.

Tournament week passes provide the best value for committed golf fans, offering access to all practice rounds, pro-ams, and championship competition. VIP packages include preferred parking, exclusive hospitality areas, and enhanced food and beverage options.

Course Access and Viewing Areas

Waialae's compact layout allows spectators to easily walk between holes and follow their favorite players throughout the round. The course's natural amphitheater design, particularly around the finishing holes, creates excellent viewing opportunities for dramatic tournament moments.

Premium viewing areas include grandstands at the 1st tee, 18th green, and strategic locations throughout the course where spectators can witness multiple holes from single vantage points. The famous coconut palm "W" behind the 7th green serves as both a scenic backdrop and popular gathering spot for spectators.

Travel and Accommodation Tips

Location and Transportation

Waialae Country Club sits in Honolulu's upscale Kahala neighborhood at 4997 Kahala Avenue, approximately 15 minutes from Waikiki hotels and 20 minutes from Honolulu International Airport. The tournament provides shuttle service and preferred parking options for ticket holders.

Public transportation and ride-sharing services offer convenient access to the tournament, though early arrival is recommended during peak attendance periods. The course's proximity to Kahala Mall and luxury resorts provides additional amenities and dining options within walking distance.

Weather and Preparation

January weather in Honolulu features average temperatures in the upper 70s with cooling trade winds and minimal rainfall, creating ideal conditions for outdoor spectating. Sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, and light layers are recommended for full-day tournament attendance.

Daily Format and Timing

The tournament's early morning starts accommodate television schedules while allowing spectators to enjoy afternoon activities around Oahu. Four-day championship format with a 36-hole cut ensures that only the best players compete during weekend rounds, creating elevated excitement for Saturday and Sunday spectators.

Experience world-class professional golf in tropical paradise at the Sony Open in Hawaii 2026 from January 12-18 at Waialae Country Club. Witness PGA Tour stars compete on Seth Raynor's legendary course design while supporting Hawaii's charitable community through the tournament's remarkable giving mission. Secure your tickets now for this unique combination of championship golf, Hawaiian hospitality, and island beauty that has captivated golf fans for nearly three decades.