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HONOLULU – Teh future of professional golf in Hawaii is uncertain, as the 61st edition of the Sony Open, set to tee off Thursday at Waialae Country Club, might potentially be the last.
A Tradition at a Crossroads
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The PGA Tour’s Hawaii Swing, a long-standing tradition, faces potential changes amid viewership competition and sponsorship questions.
- The Sentry at Kapalua’s cancellation due to water rights issues has shaken the Hawaii Swing.
- Sony’s title sponsorship at Waialae is ending after this year’s tournament, with no guarantee of renewal.
- The PGA Tour is considering reducing the number of events and shifting the season’s start date.
- Local golf figures and fans are hoping for a solution to preserve the Hawaii tournaments.
Golf analyst Mark Rolfing, a Hawaii resident, expressed his wistfulness about the tournament, stating, “It’s meant a lot to me.I played it, I televised it, I kind of grew up with it.” The Sony Open became the first of 34 regular-season tournaments for the 2026 PGA season after The Sentry at Kapalua was canceled this year due to a water rights dispute in West Maui.
Shifting Landscape for the PGA Tour
the fate of both the Sony Open and The Sentry hangs in the balance. There’s currently no resolution in sight for the water rights issues at Kapalua, and Sony’s sponsorship is set to expire after this year’s event.PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan has acknowledged the need to adapt to a changing sports landscape, possibly involving fewer events and a later start to the season.
Miller, who has been involved with the Sony Open for decades, highlighted the tournament’s history and memorable moments.She recalled Tadd Fujikawa making the cut at age 16 in 2007 and shot a remarkable 62 in the third round in 2009.
Miller also reminisced about iconic victories, including isao Aoki’s hole-out win in 1983 and Hideki Matsuyama’s title in 2022, secured with an eagle in a playoff. She remembered the keen response to David Ishii’s win in 1990, calling it “pretty, awesome.”
The Unique Appeal of Waialae
The Sony Open’s setting at Waialae Country Club contributes considerably to its charm. Miller described the course as feeling removed from the urban surroundings of Honolulu, offering fans scenic views of the beach and signature holes like the par-3 17th with its distinctive palm tree “W”.
The tournaments provide a boost to the local golf scene and rely heavily on the dedication of hundreds of volunteers, many of whom travel from overseas annually. Miller noted the welcoming atmosphere, stating, “It’s not this big tension-filled thing. It’s just fun. And you don’t get a bad view.”
A strong Field for a Potential Farewell
The 2026 tournament will feature a competitive field, including defending champion Nick Taylor of Canada, past winners Si Woo Kim (2023), Hideki Matsuyama (2022), and Russell Henley (2013). Four players currently ranked in the top 10 worldwide will also compete: Henley (No. 5), JJ Spaun (No.6), Robert MacIntyre (No. 7), and Ben Griffin (No. 8).
Collin Morikawa,ranked No. 17 and with family ties to Lahaina, expressed his thankfulness for the event, stating in a PGA press conference, “You just share a little bit of gratitude and appreciation for the people that come out…For me, someone that has ties to Hawaii, you never want to see something go away for good.”
This year’s field is smaller than in previous years,with 120 players competing rather of the usual 144,and there was no Monday qualifier event. The Hawaii contingent includes University of Hawaii junior Anson Cabello, who qualified locally in November, and Mid-Pacific Country Club
