2023 Sony Open Preview
It is time to tee it up for the second tournament of the year. Staying in Hawaii swing we jump over to the island of O’ahu and the city of Honolulu. The PGA Tour has hosted the Hawaiian Open at Waialae Country Club since 1965. This has created such a rich history for this tournament and you will see that in its past winners. Previous winners include Lee Trevino (‘68), Jack Nicklaus (‘74), Corey Pavin (‘86 & ‘87), Jim Furyk (‘96), Ernie Els (‘03 & ‘04), Justin Thomas (‘17), Cam Smith (‘20) and our past champion is Hideki Matsuyama (‘22).
Our reigning champ Hideki Matsuyama became the first Japanese golfer to win the Sony Open, and his victory marked his 10th PGA Tour win. The 2022 Sony Open Championship was a thrilling event with Matsuyama and Russell Henley going into a playoff to decide the winner. Hideki was able to outlast Henley in the playoff after hitting a FILTHY 3 wood shot from 277 yards and sticking it to about 3 feet. You can watch the video here!
Waialae Country Club Course Overview
Waialae Country Club plays for Tour as a Par 70 at 7,004 yards. Waialae Country Club is a private golf course located in Honolulu, Hawaii. The club was founded in 1927, making it one of the oldest golf clubs in the Hawaiian Islands. The course was designed by Seth Raynor, a renowned golf course architect who designed courses in the United States, United Kingdom, and Mexico.
The course is known for its challenging layout, marked by long par-3s, deep bunkers, and tight doglegs. The signature hole is the par-3, 16th hole, often referred to as the “Aloha Hole” because of its stunning views of the Waianae Mountains.
The Waialae Country Club is home to the Sony Open in Hawaii, a PGA Tour event that is held annually in January. It is also the site of the Hawaii Open, a professional golf tournament that has been played at Waialae since 1965. The course has also hosted several professional and amateur events, including the USGA Women’s Amateur Public Links (2000, 2007) and the U.S. Senior Open (2009). Waialae Country Club is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, and its pristine golf course is considered one of the finest in the world. With its beautiful setting, challenging layout, and historical significance, it is no wonder Waialae Country Club is beloved by golfers everywhere.
Sony Open Picks by Everyday Golf
Our Winner Pick: Tom Kim – This guy is everywhere right now. How can you not pick him! Coming off a great performance at the Sentry TOC. He is looking really great in his new Nike apparel coming off that fresh new signing! We got Tom Kim as our winner of the 2023 Sony Open.
Top-5 Pick: Jordan Spieth – This is not normally a calendar event for Spieth which is interesting that he is choosing to play this year. This is not an elevated event so that is also interesting but I digress. Jordan played extremely well at the Sentry Tournament of champions he has a couple of Top-10 finishes in his few appearances at the Sony. I also just like the form he is in right now which is why we are picking him for a top-5 finish.
Top-10 Pick: Corey Connors – Connors is coming off of a decent week at the Sentry Tournament of Champions. He has a good history at the Sony Open finishing T-3 (‘19), T-12 (‘20) & 11 (‘21). Just have a gut feeling that Connors is going to sneak his way into the top 10.
Top-20 Pick: Matt Kuchar – Kuchar won the Sony Open in 2019 with a score of 258 (-22). In 2022 (last year) Kuchar finished T-7 shooting 263 (-17). Looking at previous performances he has played pretty well here averaging inside the top 20. Kuchar is getting older and he can’t keep up with the kids at 44 years. However, the Sony Open at Waialae is not a bomber’s paradise and we feel Matt has good odds for a Top 20 finish.
Underdog Winner Pick: Gary Woodland- Gary just signed with Cobra this year. He has not been on his game as of late. So hopefully he can find something at Waialae Country Club.
