2025 Sony Open Begins in Hawaii Amid Tragedy

The PGA Tour's second event of the Hawaiian swing, the Sony Open, is set to take place at the historic Waialae Country Club in Honolulu, featuring a full field of 144 players, including 10 of the top-30 in world rankings. Hideki Matsuyama, fresh off a record-breaking win at The Sentry, is favored to win again, aiming for his second Sony Open title after his 2022 victory. The course, designed by Seth Raynor, is known for its narrow fairways and tricky winds, which can equalize the field by favoring precision over driving distance. The tournament carries a somber note as last year's winner, Grayson Murray, committed suicide, prompting his family to establish a foundation for mental health awareness. Notably, Keegan Bradley, who lost in a playoff last year, and Byeong Hun An are considered strong contenders in a competitive field. Betting odds suggest Matsuyama as the front-runner, but unpredictable conditions and strong contenders could lead to surprises.