The 2026 Sony Open in Hawai'i is shaping up to be an exciting weekend of golf, with a tightly contested leaderboard and some big names in the mix. But before we get to the weekend, let's rewind to Friday's second round, where the Waialae Country Club course showed its teeth in challenging conditions.
A Windy Battle at Waialae
The second round of the Sony Open was a true test of skill and resilience as the players battled against a windy Honolulu day. Despite the tough conditions, some impressive scores were still achieved, with Davis Riley and Ryan Gerard leading the charge.
Riley, with his hot putter and improved ball-striking, surged into a tie for the lead with a 6-under 64. Even with a penalty stroke, his consistent performance kept him at the top of the leaderboard. "Today, my putting was on point, and I felt more in control of my shots," Riley shared. "It's a great feeling to be in contention, especially with the way the course was playing."
However, not everyone had a smooth ride. Collin Morikawa, ranked 17th in the world, struggled with his putter and finished at even par for the week, just one shot short of making the cut. This is a tough start for Morikawa, who is hoping to bounce back from a challenging second half of 2025.
The Weekend Contenders
As the third round approaches, the leaderboard is tightly packed, and many players believe they still have a shot at winning the opening event of the 2026 PGA Tour season.
Leaders at the Top
Nick Taylor, Davis Riley, S.H. Kim, Adrien Dumont de Chassart, and Kevin Roy are all tied for first place at 9-under par. While Taylor and Roy couldn't match their impressive 62s from Thursday, they remain in a strong position heading into the weekend. Riley's low round of the day puts him in a great spot, along with Kim, Parry, and Dumont de Chassart, who all climbed up the leaderboard with solid performances.
Contenders Chasing the Lead
Maverick McNealy, Chris Gotterup, John Parry, and Takumi Kanaya are just one stroke behind the leaders, tied for fifth place at 8-under par. This group includes some notable names who are eager to make a statement in 2026. McNealy, Gotterup, and Griffin, who had career years in 2025, are off to a strong start and will be a force to reckon with this weekend.
Ryan Gerard, a breakout star in the making, is also in the mix at 7-under par. His strong finish to 2025 and solid start in Hawaii have him poised for a potential breakthrough performance.
Notable Players Missing the Cut
Some big names will be heading home early, including Collin Morikawa, Keegan Bradley, Luke Clanton, and Chris Kirk, all of whom finished at even par or higher. This is a surprising turn of events for some of the game's elite, especially considering the absence of many top players in this season opener.
Updated Picks and Odds
The odds for the weekend are incredibly tight, making it an exciting opportunity for value picks. Nick Taylor remains the favorite at 11/2, but there are some intriguing options further down the list. Ben Griffin, at 17-1, provides some value, especially after his impressive 63 in the first round. Chris Gotterup, at 11-1, is also a solid choice, given his past success in windy conditions, although on a different course.
So, who will emerge as the champion of the 2026 Sony Open? With such a competitive field and challenging conditions, it's anyone's game. Make sure to tune in and catch all the action as the weekend unfolds!
