The 2026 PGA Tour season officially tees off this week at the Sony Open in Hawaii, and after an unexpected delay-thanks to The Sentry being scrapped due to course concerns-there’s a little extra buzz around this year’s opener. It’s been a while since fans last saw the Tour’s top-tier talent in action, and while some of the biggest names are waiting for the West Coast swing to make their season debuts, Waialae Country Club is still serving up a strong field to get things going.
Four of the world’s top 10 players are in the mix this week, setting the stage for a competitive and meaningful start to the season. This isn’t just a warm-up-it’s a chance to grab early momentum, bank some FedExCup points, and pocket the $1.6 million winner’s check.
Among those teeing it up in Honolulu are Russell Henley, Ben Griffin, Hideki Matsuyama, J.J. Spaun, Collin Morikawa, Robert MacIntyre, Keegan Bradley, Jordan Spieth, Adam Scott, and Chris Gotterup. That’s a lineup that blends proven champions with rising stars, and it gives us plenty to keep an eye on across four rounds.
Let’s start with the breakout candidates. Ben Griffin and J.J.
Spaun are coming off career-best seasons, and they’re not just here to make the cut-they’re here to contend. For players like Griffin, who’s been steadily climbing the ranks, and Spaun, who’s shown flashes of elite-level play, a strong showing at Waialae could be the spark that launches a new tier of expectations.
Then there are the household names-Morikawa, Spieth, Matsuyama, Bradley, Scott-each with something to prove. Morikawa and Spieth, in particular, are looking to recapture the form that once made them can’t-miss contenders every time they stepped on the course.
Both have had their ups and downs in recent seasons, but the talent is still there. The question is whether 2026 is the year they put it all together again.
Waialae, with its narrow fairways and demand for precision, tends to reward shot-makers over bombers. That’s good news for players like Henley, who won here in 2013 and knows how to navigate the course’s subtleties. It’s also a setup that suits the likes of Matsuyama and Scott-veterans who can dissect a course with surgical iron play when they’re locked in.
And let’s not overlook the entertainment factor. With the tournament taking place in Hawaii, fans on the mainland get the bonus of primetime golf. There’s something special about settling in for evening coverage, especially when the season is just getting started and every swing feels like the beginning of a new storyline.
So while the Tour’s biggest headliners may be waiting in the wings, the Sony Open is far from a soft launch. This is a meaningful week, with serious talent in the field and early-season momentum up for grabs. Whether it’s a breakout win, a return to form, or a surprise Sunday charge, the stage is set in Honolulu-and the 2026 PGA Tour season is officially underway.
Sony Open 2026 Viewing Schedule (All times ET):
Round 1 - Thursday
- Tee times begin: 12:10 p.m.
- PGA Tour Live: 12:00-10:00 p.m.
- TV coverage: 7:00-10:00 p.m. on Golf Channel and Fubo
- Streaming: 7:00-10:00 p.m. on NBC Sports App
Round 2 - Friday
- Tee times begin: 12:10 p.m.
- PGA Tour Live: 12:00-10:00 p.m.
- TV coverage: 7:00-10:00 p.m. on Golf Channel and Fubo
- Streaming: 7:00-10:00 p.m. on NBC Sports App
Round 3 - Saturday
- Tee times begin: 12:15 p.m.
- PGA Tour Live: 12:15-10:00 p.m.
- TV coverage: 7:00-10:00 p.m. on Golf Channel and Fubo
- Streaming: 7:00-10:00 p.m. on NBC Sports App
Round 4 - Sunday
- Tee times begin: 12:15 p.m.
The PGA Tour is back. Let the chase for trophies, rankings, and redemption begin.