Overview
- Defending champion Nick Taylor and Kevin Roy carded bogey-free 8-under 62s to lead after the first round at Waialae Country Club.
- Ben Griffin, Chris Gotterup and John VanDerLaan are one stroke back at 63, with calmer morning air and a gustier afternoon creating a clear split in scoring.
- The Sony Open is the 2026 season opener after The Sentry at Kapalua was canceled over water and course issues, and the 120-player field includes four of the world’s top 10.
- Michael Kim noted longer rough, softer greens and an east/northeast wind this year, conditions that emphasized precision and shaped tee-shot strategy.
- Sportsbooks shortened odds on Griffin and Taylor after Round 1, and fans can watch featured groups on ESPN+ by day and Golf Channel in primetime.