#103 Sony Open  Jan 11-14, 2024

#103 Sony Open  Jan 11-14, 2024

Waialae CC Honolulu Par 70

Purse $8.3M up $400K 5%

HISTORY

Sony has sponsored this tournament since 1999.  Last years winner was Si Woo Kim, although Chris Kirk (last weeks winner) led for the first 2 RDs.  There will be up to 144 players in the field. 

Most of the top players will skip this tournament and wait for the big payout at Pebble Beach.

There are the American Express and Farmers at Torrey Pines where some of the big names will play, however this is an example of how the big money tournaments will have an effect on TV.

I doubt if many people other than myself and avid golf fans watched  last week or will this week especially with 6 NFL playoff games.  If you read my blog today and on Monday you will be able to keep up.  That is why I do it!!!  

Expect 1 of the 5 favorites or 1 of the 6 longshots to win.  Most of the rest of the field are out of the top 50 and most even further down the standings.  Not too different than last year.

FAVORITES

Ludvig Aberg 16/1 I think he will win despite finishing tied for 47th last week.

Tyrrell Hatton 18/1 He would be my 2nd pick to win.  Shot 62 in RD 2 last week but faded.

M. Fitzpatrick 18/1 He was up and down last week, and I doubt if he can win.

R. Henley 20/1 Did not play well last week but won here in 2013, lost in playoff 2022.

Brian Harman 20/1 Since winning the OPEN last year, seems to play well every week.

LONGSHOTS

Si Woo Kim 33/1 Despite winning last year, repeating is difficult.

C. Conners 25/1 Some of the handicappers think he is the best longshot. 

S. Theegala 45/1 Led after RD 1 last week, but had a few bogies or he may have won.

Akahay Bhatia 55/1 If he putts like he did in the 1st 3 RDs last week he could win.

K. Bradley 60/1 Did not play well last week but he may surprise.

Chris Kirk 30/1 Tough to win 2 weeks in a row, but he played very well last week.

SPECIAL INFORMATION

Pictured below is the 7th hole par 3 which is changed to the 16th for the tournament.  In 2009 Ethan Abbot a member suggested forming a W with Palm trees behind the green and was inspired by the W Palm tree scene in the 1963 film “Its a mad mad world”.  It has become a popular place on the course where people pose for pictures and plan weddings.