The 2026 Sony Open in Hawaii gets underway January 15–18 at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu. As one of the first full-field events of the season, it offers players a fresh start and a meaningful opportunity to establish early momentum. With 500 FedExCup points available, this week often shapes the narrative heading into the winter stretch.

Key Information for January

  • Dates: January 15–18, 2026
  • Venue: Waialae Country Club, Honolulu, HI
  • FedExCup Points to Winner: 500
  • Returning Champion: Nick Taylor
  • 2025 Winner’s Earnings: $1,566,000

Waialae has long been a familiar early-season stop, welcoming a blend of seasoned competitors and players looking to make their mark quickly.

What Sets This Week Apart

January tournaments have a different energy. Everyone arrives rested. Preparation is fresh. Expectations are high. That combination often leads to aggressive play early and careful strategy as the weekend approaches.

Nick Taylor returns after his dramatic playoff win last season, setting a clear benchmark for the field. Others will be eager to prove that their offseason work translates immediately under pressure.

This is also a week where confidence can snowball. A strong showing here often leads to consistent performances over the next several events.

Inside Waialae Country Club

Waialae is a par-70 layout that rewards balance and discipline. Tree-lined corridors frame many of the holes, while coastal winds introduce a variable that can change hour by hour. Players who control trajectory and stay committed to their targets tend to rise as the rounds progress.

Scoring chances are available, but impatience is rarely rewarded. Smart positioning and steady execution remain the common traits of past winners.

Shawn Costello’s Perspective

PGA Master Professional Shawn Costello sees the Sony Open as an early litmus test. According to Shawn Costello, Waialae reveals who is truly prepared to manage pace, pressure, and expectation from the very start of the year.

This PGA event isn’t about chasing numbers. It’s about trusting preparation and letting the course dictate strategy. Those who do that well often find themselves in contention by Sunday.