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NFL PLAYOFF SURVIVOR!

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NFL Playoffs Playoff Survivor is here!   We are throwing up a contest that will add some fun for the playoffs!

Only $20 to get in!  Entrants that select only winners will advance to the next slate. The entrant that makes it the furthest takes home the whole prize. If all remaining entrants are eliminated in the same slate, they will all be considered winners and will all split the prize. For Wild Card Weekend you will be required to select 3 teams per slate. For Divisional Round you will be required to select 2 teams per slate.
Entrants will be prevented from selecting a team more than one time throughout the duration of the contest. If an entrant runs out of teams to pick, they will be unable to advance to the next slate.

Click Here to Join!

Sport: Football
Contest Type: Survivor
Multi-Entry:  Yes (5)
Creator:  theoddsbreakers
Wild Card Weekend – Super Bowl
Entry Deadline:  Sat 1/11 @ 2:30 PM
Pick Deadline:  Slate Start

Rules:  

Select only winning teams to advance to the next week
Losses, Ties, and Missed Picks result in elimination from the contest
If all remaining entrants are eliminated in the same slate, they will all be considered winners and will all split the prize
There are no tiebreakers
If you run out of teams, you will be unable to make a pick for the current slate, and will be unable to advance
If one or more remaining entries is able to make a correct selection for that slate, you will be eliminated
If all other remaining entries are unable to make a correct selection for that slate, the contest will conclude and you will split the prize
If all remaining entries run out of teams, the contest will conclude at the end of the slate and the remaining entries will split the prize

NFL Week 18 Misleading Final Scores

The Packers out-gained the Bears 367 to 224 yet lost 24-22.   Equal turnover at two but three sacks and bad third down efficiency got the Pack.

The Cowboys out-gained the Commanders 378 to 269 yet lost 23-19.  They won the turnover margin 0-1 but bad red zone offense got dem boys.

The Falcons out-gained the Panthers 537 to 425 yet lost 44-38.  A 1-0 turnover ratio, poor coaching and poor red zone got the dirty birds.

The Bengals out-gained the Steelers 314 to 193 yet only won 19-17.  A 2-1 turnover ratio and very poor special teams and red zone hurt the Bengals cover.

Wednesday Free Play Video:

San Antonio Spurs guard Dejounte Murray dunks during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019, in San Antonio. Los Angeles won 103-96. (AP Photo/Darren Abate)

Premium Selections over at www.oddsbreakers.com

3 Free Selections:
NBA: Spurs/Bucks
NHL: Panthers/Utah HC
NCAAB: UConn/Nova

Go check out @oddsbreakers – Tons of free content!!

2025 Sony Open in Hawaii Preview & Picks

The PGA TOUR’s Opening Drive continues with the first full-field event of the 2025 FedExCup season at the Sony Open in Hawaii, hosted at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu. This two-week kickoff to the TOUR’s schedule highlights elite competition at a historic venue known for its classic design and picturesque views. Waialae Country Club, one of the longest-tenured host venues on the PGA TOUR, is a par-70 layout measuring 7,044 yards. The champion in Honolulu will earn 500 FedExCup points.

Pre-Tournament Storylines:

Hideki Matsuyama

Fresh off a record-breaking performance at The Sentry, Hideki Matsuyama captured his 11th career PGA TOUR title in dominant fashion. Matsuyama’s 35-under 257 at The Plantation Course at Kapalua set a new PGA TOUR record for the lowest 72-hole score in relation to par, finishing three strokes clear of runner-up Collin Morikawa.

Grayson Murray

Grayson Murray claimed his first PGA TOUR title in over six years at last year’s Sony Open in Hawaii, defeating Keegan Bradley and Byeong Hun An in a dramatic playoff after all three finished at 17-under 263. Murray’s clutch 40-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole sealed the victory. Tragically, Murray passed away last May at the age of 30.

In honor of Grayson’s legacy, his parents, Eric and Terry Murray, have launched the Grayson Murray Foundation. The foundation’s mission is to raise awareness and provide support for mental health and addiction challenges. It will focus on funding innovative research, expanding access to essential services, and fostering a culture of understanding inspired by Grayson’s resilience and compassion. Beyond financial aid, the foundation hopes to inspire kindness, empathy, and acceptance while supporting those facing similar struggles.

TGL Debut

The much-anticipated debut of TGL presented by SoFi takes place at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Jan. 7, at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The inaugural match features Matt Fitzpatrick, Rickie Fowler, and Xander Schauffele of New York Golf Club taking on Wyndham Clark, Ludvig Åberg, and Shane Lowry of The Bay Golf Club. Fans can watch the action on ESPN and ESPN+.

This is the first of 15 regular-season matches, with six teams and 24 of the world’s top golfers competing for a spot in the SoFi Cup Finals Series on March 24-25. The season will culminate in a best-of-three showdown to crown the first SoFi Cup champion.

Tournament Information:

  • Dates: January 9th – January 12th, 2025
  • Location: Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
  • Course: Waialae Country Club
  • Course Type: Coastal
  • Par: 70 (4x 3’s / 12x 4’s / 2x 5’s)
  • Length: 7,044 yards
  • Format: 72-hole stroke play
  • Greens: Bermudagrass
  • Fairways: Bermudagrass
  • Rough: Bermudagrass
  • Bunkers: 83
  • Water Hazard(s): 4 (In-Play on 5 Holes)
  • Average Green Size: 7,100 sq. ft.
  • Stimpmeter: 11.0 ft.
  • Purse/ Winner: $8,700,000 /$1,566,000
  • FedEx Cup Points: 500
  • Field: 144 Players
  • Cut: Top 65 and Ties – 36 Holes
  • Playoff Format: Sudden Death – 18, 18 (then 10, 11, 18, 10, 11, 18)
  • Course Scoring Average:
    • 2024: 68.82 (-1.18), Rank 27 of 51
    • 2023: 68.87 (-1.13), Rank 34 of 49
    • 2022: 68.00 (-2.00), Rank 41 of 50
  • Historic Cut Line:
    • 2024: -2
    • 2023: -2
    • 2022: -5

Social Media:

  • Course X: None
  • Tournament X: @SonyOpenHawaii

Course Architect:

  • Course Architect: Seth Raynor (1927)
  • Renovations: Robert Trent Jones, Desmond Muirhead, Rick Smith, Tom Doak

Comparable Courses & Greens:

  • Comparable Courses:
    • Sedgefield Country Club – Wyndham Championship – RESULTS
    • Sea Island Golf Club – RSM Classic – RESULTS
    • Harbour Town Golf Links – RBC Heritage – RESULTS

  • Comparable Location (Honolulu, Hawaii):
    • Kapalua Resort (Plantation Course) – Lahaina, Hawaii, United States – The Sentry
  • Designer Link (Seth Raynor (1927)):
    •  The Greenbrier (The Old White) – Seth Raynor (1914) – Greenbrier Classic

  • Comparable Yardage (7,044 Yards):
    • Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club – 7,041 Yards – ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP
    • Spyglass Hill Golf Course – 7,041 Yards – AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
    • Sea Island Golf Club (Plantation Course) – 7,060 Yards – The RSM Classic

  • Comparable Greens (Bermudagrass):
    • Kapalua Resort (Plantation Course) – TifEagle bermudagrass .110” – The Sentry
    • Sea Island Golf Club (Seaside Course) – Tif Eagle bermudagrass .090” – RSM Classic
    • PGA National Resort (The Champion) – TifEagle bermudagrass .115” – The Honda Classic
    • Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge – TifEagle bermudagrass .110” – Arnold Palmer Invitational
    • Port Royal Golf Course – Tif Eagle bermudagrass .125” – The Butterfield Bermuda Championship
    • Albany – TifEagle bermudagrass .085” – Hero World Challenge

  • Comparable Average Green Size (7,100 sq. ft.):
    • TPC Scottsdale (Stadium Course) – 7, 069 sq. ft. – WM Phoenix Open
    • PGA WEST (Nicklaus Tournament Course) – 7, 000 sq. ft. – The American Express
    • Vidanta Vallarta – 7, 000 sq. ft. – Mexico Open at Vidanta
    • Memorial Park Golf Course – 7, 000 sq. ft. – Texas Children’s Houston Open
    • The Renaissance Club – 7, 000 sq. ft. – Genesis Scottish Open

TV Information (all times ET):

  • Round 1: Thursday, January 9th, 2025
    • ESPN + (PGA TOUR Live) – 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    • Golf Channel – 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM
  • Round 2: Friday, January 10th, 2025
    • ESPN + (PGA TOUR Live) – 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    • Golf Channel – 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM
  • Round 3: Saturday, January 11th, 2025
    • ESPN + (PGA TOUR Live) – 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    • NBC/ Peacock – 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
    • Golf Channel – 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Round 4: Sunday, January 12th, 2025
    • ESPN + (PGA TOUR Live) – 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    • NBC/ Peacock – 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
    • Golf Channel – 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Weather:

Course/ Tournament History:

The Sony Open in Hawaii is one of the PGA Tour’s longest-standing tournaments, held annually at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu since its inception in 1965. Originally known as the Hawaiian Open, the event gained Sony as its title sponsor in 1999, making it a key stop on the Tour’s early-season schedule.

Waialae Country Club, located in Honolulu, Hawaii, is one of the most iconic venues on the PGA Tour. Established in 1927 and designed by Seth Raynor, the course boasts a rich history of hosting professional golf events, most notably serving as the home of the Sony Open in Hawaii since 1965. Known for its picturesque setting along the Pacific Ocean, Waialae blends stunning coastal views with a challenging layout that rewards precision over power. The course features narrow fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and small greens, emphasizing accuracy and shot-making. Waialae is one of the few courses on the PGA Tour that plays to a par 70 and is renowned for its classic design, which has remained largely unchanged over the years, preserving its traditional charm. The event marks the first full-field tournament of the year and provides a stark contrast to the Plantation Course at Kapalua, offering players a chance to test their skills on a shorter, more strategic course.

Previous Tournament Venues:

DurationCourseLocation
1965-PresentWaialae Country ClubHonolulu, Hawaii, United States

Previous Tournament Names:

DurationTournament Name
1965-1969, 1971-1990Hawaiian Open
1991United Hawaiian Open
1992-1998United Airlines Hawaiian Open
1999-PresentSony Open in Hawaii

Tournament Records:

  • 72-Hole Record (Sony Open in Hawaii):
    • 253, Justin Thomas (2017)
  • 18-Hole Record (Sony Open in Hawaii):
    • 59, Justin Thomas (Round 1, 2017)
  • Largest Margin of Victory (Sony Open in Hawaii):
    • 9 Strokes – Jimmy Walker (2015)
  • Largest Margin of Victory (Waialae Country Club):
    • 9 Strokes – Jimmy Walker (2015)
  • Most Wins at Event:
    • 2 – Hubert Green (1978, 1979), Corey Pavin (1986, 1987), Lanny Wadkins (1988, 1991), Ernie Els (2003, 2004), Jimmy Walker (2014, 2015)

Course Records:

  • 72-Hole Record (Waialae Country Club):
    • 253, Justin Thomas (2017)
  • 18-Hole Record (Waialae Country Club):
    • 59, Justin Thomas (Round 1, 2017)

Course Guide/ Scorecard:

Waialae Country Club presents a completely different challenge compared to last week’s test at Kapalua. Playing approximately 400 yards shorter, Waialae places a premium on accuracy over distance. Players will face shorter wedge shots into greens, making approach play a critical factor for success, as it has been a key to victory at this venue in the past.

At 7,044 yards, Waialae is one of the shortest courses on the PGA TOUR and plays as a Par 70. This setup puts a significant emphasis on Par 4 scoring, with the course featuring just two Par 5s. Additionally, there are four Par 3s, all playing around 200 yards or less. Last year, Waialae ranked as one of the easiest stops on TOUR in terms of scoring on Par 3s and Par 5s.

The four Par 3’s range from 176 to 204 yards. Last year, Hole No. 4 and Nole No. 17 were the only Par 3’s to have a scoring average over par.

No. 7, 176 yards, Par 3: The second of the par-3s on the tournament’s front nine, this green is as wide as the par-3 hole #4 is long. Originally, this green was completely surrounded by sand, giving the hole its name. Bunkers still wrap around the entire front side of this green with a lone bunker on the backside. A deep ridge on the front of the green runs laterally front to back.

No. 17, 194 yards, Par 3: The most scenic hole at Waialae bears the name of the Sony Open fire-bird according to Hawaiian lore. Hole #17 is a very difficult par-3 requiring a long or middle iron. The green features the original Seth Raynor design which is a classic Redan-style green with a large bunker on the left and a series of three deep, hidden bunkers guarding the right. Par-3 is a good score here, especially in the final round.

There are twelve Par 4’s at Waialae with the majority of those holes ranging between 400 and 500 yards. In terms of scoring average, the toughest Par 4 last year was No. 1 (+0.211).

No. 1, 480 yards, Par 4: This hole was originally designed in 1927 by Seth Raynor with the famous Road Hole of St. Andrews, Scotland in mind. The forward tee constructed in 1999 makes this former par-5 hole play as a par-4 and 1/2! Depending on the wind, the second shot to a very shallow green guarded in front by a deep bunker and a bunker surrounding
the right half of the green can be played with anything from a 3-wood to a 9-iron.

No. 16, 417 yards, Par 4: Tee it high and let it fly! A finish with the wind at your back. The best place for the drive is on the right side of the fairway. The second shot is a short iron played to a green framed by the Pacific Ocean and several large palm trees. This hole is considered the signature hole at Waialae

There are only two Par 5’s on the course, No. 9 and No. 18. Both of these holes had a scoring average under par in 2024. No. 9 was the easiest hole on the course last year with a scoring average of 0.887 below par.

No. 9, 506 yards, Par 5: Normally played as hole #18 by Waialae members, this par-5 requires accuracy on both the drive and the second shots. O.B. runs down the left side of the fairway and a red penalty area down the right. A strong left-to-right wind makes this hole even tougher. It is reachable in 2 strokes, however, and has given up its share of birdies.

No. 18, 551 yards, Par 5: “A great finishing hole! Isao Aoki proved this in 1983 with a spectacular eagle for his victory. Aoki knocked it in from 128 yards out, but this hole is reachable in 2 strokes. A bunker set in the dog-leg makes the drive off the tee a “thinking shot.” A second shot can be played straight downwind to the green.

Featured/ Signature Hole(s): 16

Key Statistics:

The Sony Open takes place at Waialae Country Club, here are the key statistics to keep an eye on for this week’s event.

StatisticsPGA Tour AverageWaialae Country Club
Driving Distance (Yards)283.70286.53
Driving Accuracy62%54%
GIR Percentage66%66%
Avg GIR Prox to Hole (Feet)29.1728.92
Scrambling Percentage58%59%
Avg 3 Putts / Round0.550.50

Per DataGolf, this is the favored skillset for the Waialae Country Club.

  • Strokes Gained: Off the Tee
    • Success this week will hinge on players’ ability to position themselves effectively off the tee. While the course’s considerable length underscores the significance of distance, precision holds equal importance.
    • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
      • Alex Smalley
      • Chandler Phillips
      • Davis Thompson
      • K.H. Lee
      • Joel Dahmen
      • Nick Hardy
      • Keith Mitchell
      • Austin Eckroat
      • J.J. Spaun
      • Chris Kirk

  • Strokes Gained: Approach
    • A strong iron game is crucial for success at Waialae Country Club, as demonstrated by recent tournament history. While this course does have some of the largest greens on Tour, it shouldn’t be a straightforward task this week as the wind is predicted to play a factor.
    • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
      • Lucas Glover
      • J.J. Spaun
      • Kurt Kitayama
      • Mac Meissner
      • Luke Clanton
      • Doug Ghim
      • Gary Woodland
      • Taylor Pendrith
      • Tom Kim

  • Strokes Gained: Around the Green
    • The large greens and sloping terrain mean missed approaches often leave challenging recovery shots. Players with strong short-game skills can save crucial pars.
    • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
      • Mackenzie Hughes
      • Webb Simpson
      • Harry Hall
      • C.T. Pan
      • Robert MacIntyre
      • Hideki Matsuyama
      • Chan Kim
      • Vince Whaley
      • Greyson Sigg
      • Tom Hoge

  • Strokes Gained: Total (Moderate Conditions)
    • Waialae Country Club is exposed to trade winds, which can significantly impact ball flight. Players who can adjust to changing wind conditions and control their trajectory tend to perform well.
    • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
      • Denny McCarthy
      • Sahith Theegala
      • Brendon Todd
      • Harry Hall
      • Adam Schenk
      • Doug Ghim
      • Lucas Glover
      • Corey Conners
      • Brian Harman
      • Andrew Novak

  • Strokes Gained: Putting (Bermudagrass)
    • The Greens at Waialae Country Club are Bermudagrass. The greens at Waialae are expansive and feature significant contours. Success often depends on mastering long lag putts and converting mid-range opportunities on the grainy Bermuda grass.
    • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
      • Taylor Montgomery
      • Braden Thornberry
      • Mackenzie Hughes
      • Thomas Detry
      • Matt Kuchar
      • Hideki Matsuyama
      • Taylor Pendrith
      • Chad Ramey
      • K.H. Lee
      • Jacob Bridgeman

  • Par 3 Scoring: 175-200 Yards (x3)
    • Three of the four Par 3’s at Waialae Country Club range between 175-200 Yards.
    • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
      • J.J. Spaun
      • Austin Eckroat
      • Aaron Baddeley
      • Maverick McNealy
      • Vince Whaley
      • Patrick Fishburn
      • Matti Schmid
      • Nico Echavarria
      • Lucas Glover
      • C.T. Pan
      • Matt McCarty

  • Par 4 Scoring: 400-450 Yards (x5), 450-500 Yards (x5)
    • There are twelve Par 4’s at Waialae Country Club with five ranging between 400-450 Yards and another five ranging between 450-500 Yards. The two outliers are Hole No 10 which is listed at 351 Yards and Hole No 15 which is listed at 398 Yards.
    • Leaders in Par 4 Scoring: 400-450 Yards in the last 24 Rounds:
      • Hideki Matsuyama
      • Greyson Sigg
      • Taylor Pendrith
      • Justin Lower
      • Robert MacIntyre
      • Luke Clanton
      • Keegan Bradley
      • Matt Kuchar
      • Ryo Hisatsune
      • Chan Kim
    • Leaders in Par 4 Scoring: 450-500 Yards in the last 24 Rounds:
      • Cam Davis
      • Russell Henley
      • Joe Highsmith
      • Austin Eckroat
      • Luke Clanton
      • Lucas Glover
      • Maverick McNealy
      • Henrik Norlander
      • Daniel Berger
      • Carson Young

  • Par 5 Scoring: 500-550 Yards (x2)
    • Both of the par 5s at Waialae Country Club range between 500 and 550 yards, making them reachable in two shots for longer hitters. Capitalizing on these scoring opportunities is essential for staying competitive.
    • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
      • Michael Kim
      • Ben Griffin
      • Patton Kizzire
      • J.J. Spaun
      • Matti Schmid
      • Braden Thornberry
      • Taylor Pendrith
      • Seamus Power
      • Gary Woodland
      • Davis Thompson

  • Birdies or Better Gained
    • Low scores are a staple of the tournament, with winning scores typically around -17 or better. Players must capitalize on birdie opportunities, especially on the Par 4’s and Par 5’s.
    • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
      • Luke Clanton
      • Joe Highsmith
      • Taylor Pendrith
      • Harry Hall
      • Michael Thorbjornsen
      • Nico Echavarria
      • Keith Mitchell
      • Justin Lower
      • Cam Davis
      • Matti Schmid

  • Proximity Gained: 125-150, 150-175, & 175-200 Yards
    • Waialae Country Club sees a significantly higher volume of approach shots from the 125-150 yard, 150-175 yard, and 175-200 yard ranges compared to the PGA Tour average.
  • Leaders in Proximity Gained 125-150 Yards in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Doug Ghim
    • Joel Dahmen
    • Tom Kim
    • Matt Kuchar
    • Mac Meissner
    • Nick Taylor
    • Russell Henley
    • Emiliano Grillo
    • Joe Highsmith
    • J.J. Spaun
  • Leaders in Proximity Gained 150-175 Yards in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Ben Kholes
    • Harris English
    • Nico Echavarria
    • Luke Claton
    • Russell Henley
    • Chandler Phillips
    • Brice Garnett
    • Michael Kim
    • Nick Dunlap
    • Austin Eckroat

  • Leaders in Proximity Gained 175-200 Yards in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Henrik Norlander
    • Kurt Kitayama
    • Hideki Matsuyama
    • Austin Eckroat
    • Ben Martin
    • Matti Schmid
    • Daniel Berger
    • Max McGreevy
    • Lucas Glover
    • David Skinns

  • Comparable Courses and Event History
  • Leaders in this category (Stokes Gained Total at Waialae CC, All Rounds):
    • Chris Kirk
    • Russell Henley
    • Corey Conners
    • Webb Simpson
    • Daniel Berger
    • Matt Kuchar
    • Keith Mitchell
    • Si Woo Kim
    • Byeong Huh An
    • Zach Johnson

The Field:

This year’s Sony Open in Hawaii will feature a total of 144 competitors.

  • Here is the current basis of qualification for each entrant this week:
    • Winner – PGA/U.S. Open Championship
    • Winner – Masters Tournament
    • Winner – British Open
    • Winners of the Arnold Palmer, Memorial, Genesis (Last 3 Years)
    • Tournament Winner in Past Two Seasons
    • Career Money Exemption
    • Sponsor Exemptions: DPWT / Korn Ferry Tour / Q-School Category
    • Sponsors Exemptions – PGA TOUR Member not otherwise exempt
    • Sponsors Exemptions – Unrestricted
    • Designated Sponsor Exemption
    • PGA Club Professional Champion – 6 Events
    • PGA Section Champion\Player of the Year
    • Open Qualifying
    • Top 30 on the FedExCup Playoffs & Eligibility Points List
    • Top 70 on Prior Year FEC Playoff & Elig List through the Playoffs
    • Top 125 FedExCup Fall Point Lists
    • Major Medical Extension
    • PGA TOUR University #1 – Prior Season
    • Leading 10 players (not otherwise exempt) on DP World Tour
    • Players 2-30 on the Prior Season Korn Ferry Tour Points List
  • Previous Winners in the Field (Event):
    • Si Woo Kim (2023), Hideki Matsuyama (2022), Matt Kuchar (2019), Patton Kizzire (2018), Russell Henley (2013), Ryan Palmer (2010), Zach Johnson (2009)
  • Debutants in the Field (Event):
    • Aldrich Potgieter, Ben Polland, Braden Thornberry, Brian Campbell, Christopher Gotterup, Cristobal Del Solar, Danny Walker, Frankie Capan III, Isaiah Salinda, Jackson Suber, Jeremy Paul, Jesper Svensson, John Pak, Kelly Walsh, Kevin Velo, Luke Clanton, Mac Meissner, Mao Matsuyama, Mason Andersen, Matt McCarty, Matthew Riedel, Michael Thorbjornsen, Nick Dunlap, Noah Goodwin, Patrick Fishburn, Paul Peterson, Quade Cummins, Ricky Castillo, Ryan Gerard, Steven Fisk, Taylor Dickson, Taylor Moore, Thomas Detry, Thomas Rosenmueller, Tim Widing, Tyler Loree, Will Chandler, William Mouw, Yuta Sugiura
  • Sponsors Exemptions:
    • Noah Goodwin (DPWT)
    • Aldrich Potgieter (DPWT)
    • James Hahn (PGA)
    • Zach Johnson (PGA)
    • Aaron Baddeley (Unrestricted)
    • Luke Clanton (Unrestricted)
    • Tyler Loree (Unrestricted)
    • Mao Matsuyama (Unrestricted)
    • Kensei Hirata (Designated)
    • Takumi Kanaya (Designated)
    • Yuta Sugiura (Designated)

  • Notable Withdraws/ Changes:
    • Davis Riley (WD), Trevor Cone (in)
    • Christiaan Bezuidenhout (WD), Danny Walker (in)

Tee Times & Groupings:

The Odds:

Here are the current favorites for this week’s event, along with a summary of their recent form and course history:

Hideki Matsuyama (+900): Matsuyama comes off a victory at The Sentry, marking a strong start to the 2025 PGA TOUR season. This will be his 12th appearance at Waialae Country Club, where he previously won the Sony Open in Hawaii in 2022.

Corey Conners (+1400): Conners finished T5 at The Sentry last week, continuing his solid form. He returns to Waialae for his seventh appearance, with four top-12 finishes in his previous starts.

Tom Kim (+2000): Kim finished as runner-up at the Hero World Challenge in his most recent event. He made his tournament debut at Waialae last year but missed the cut.

Russell Henley (+2000): Henley also finished T5 at The Sentry. He will be making his seventh appearance at Waialae, where he won in 2013 and finished runner-up in 2022.

Tournament Props:

Playoff:

  • Will There Be a Playoff at the Sony Open in Hawaii? (Yes +350 / No -500)

Since 2016, the Sony Open in Hawaii has featured a playoff every other year. The most recent occurred last season when Grayson Murray triumphed over Byeong-Hun An and Keegan Bradley to secure his first PGA TOUR victory in more than six years. If the trend continues, this year’s tournament will not require a playoff to determine the winner.

Hole-in-One:

  • Will There Be A Hole-in-One at the Sony Open in Hawaii? (Yes -120/ No -110)

Last year at this tournament, there were no holes in one made. However in 2023, there was two holes in one made one on No. 7 and one made on No. 17.

Wire to Wire Winner:

  • Will There Be A Wire to Wire Winner at the Sony Open in Hawaii? (Yes +1100)

There have been only four wire-to-wire winners in the history of the Sony Open in Hawaii at Waialae Country Club. The most recent occurred in 2022 when Hideki Matsuyama captured the title. Prior to Matsuyama, Howard Twitty accomplished the feat in 1993, John Huston in 1998, and K.J. Choi in 2008.

Recent Horses for Courses (Event):

Sony Open
in Hawaii
Sony Open
in Hawaii
Sony Open
in Hawaii
Sony Open
in Hawaii
Sony Open
in Hawaii
Waialae Country ClubWaialae Country ClubWaialae Country ClubWaialae Country ClubWaialae Country Club
GolferEvents PlayedScoring Avg. (per round)20242023202220212020
Byeong Hun An266.38212
Taylor Montgomery267.001312
Corey Conners667.2957121112
Russell Henley1267.33432211MC
Ben Griffin267.383012
Chris Kirk1467.48183272MC
Hayden Buckley367.00MC212

Recent Donkeys for Courses (Event):

Sony Open
in Hawaii
Sony Open
in Hawaii
Sony Open
in Hawaii
Sony Open
in Hawaii
Sony Open
in Hawaii
Waialae Country ClubWaialae Country ClubWaialae Country ClubWaialae Country ClubWaialae Country Club
GolferEvents PlayedScoring Avg. (per round)20242023202220212020
Doug Ghim371.50MCMCMC
Alex Smalley369.50MCMCMC
Takumi Kanaya469.38MCMCMC
Gary Woodland968.41MCMC
C.T. Pan369.17MCMC
Mattias Schmid269.75MCMC
Carson Young270.50MCMC
Camilo Villegas769.78MCMC
David Skinns270.75MCMC
Max McGreevy271.00MCMC
Rico Hoey271.25MCMC
Vincent Norman272.25MCMC
Rafel Campos273.25MCMC
Chan Kim269.50MCMC
Gary Woodland968.41MCMC

Previous Winners Scores, Prices, and Strokes Gained (Rank at Tournament):

  • 2024: Grayson Murray (-17)
    • Price: 400-1
 SG: Off the TeeSG: Tee to GreenSG: ApproachSG: Around the GreenSG: Putting
Grayson Murray1st1st31st15th29th
  • 2023: Si Woo Kim (-18)
    • Price: 45-1
 SG: Off the TeeSG: Tee to GreenSG: ApproachSG: Around the GreenSG: Putting
Si Woo Kim32nd1st1st13th38th
  • 2022: Hideki Matsuyama (-23)
    • Price: 20-1
 SG: Off the TeeSG: Tee to GreenSG: ApproachSG: Around the GreenSG: Putting
Hideki Matsuyama5th5th25th22nd1st
  • 2021: Kevin Na (-21)
    • Price: 80-1
 SG: Off the TeeSG: Tee to GreenSG: ApproachSG: Around the GreenSG: Putting
Kevin Na44th2nd5th8th23rd
  • 2020: Cameron Smith (-11)
    • Price: 55-1
 SG: Off the TeeSG: Tee to GreenSG: ApproachSG: Around the GreenSG: Putting
Cameron Smith18th30th53rd9th1st

Previous Winners Incoming Form (Last 5 Starts):

  • 2024: Grayson Murray
    • MC – The RSM Classic (PGA)
    • WD – Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship (KFT)
    • WON – Simmons Bank Open for the Snedeker Foundation (KFT)
    • T26 – Albertsons Boise Open (KFT)
    • MC – Magnit Championship (KFT)
  • 2023: Si Woo Kim
    • T35 – Cadence Bank Houston Open (PGA)
    • T52 – THE CJ CUP in South Carolina (PGA)
    • T45 – ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP (PGA)
    • T8 – Shriners Children’s Open (PGA)
    • T5 – The 38th Shinhan Donghae Open (ASA)

  • 2022: Hideki Matsuyama
    • T13 – Sentry Tournament of Champions (PGA)
    • WON – ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP (PGA)
    • T59 – THE CJ CUP (PGA)
    • T67 – Shriners Children’s Open (PGA)
    • T6 – Fortinent Championship (PGA)

  • 2021: Kevin Na
    • T38 – Sentry Tournament of Champions (PGA)
    • T13 – The Masters (MAJ)
    • T28 – ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP (PGA)
    • T45 – THE CJ CUP (PGA)
    • T43 – Shriners Hospital for Children Open (PGA)

  • 2020: Cameron Smith
    • T10 – Australian PGA Championship (DPWT)
    • T60 – WGC-HSBC Champions (PGA)
    • T3 – THE CJ CUP (PGA)
    • T13 – Shriners Hospital for Children Open (PGA)
    • MC – Sanderson Farms Championship (PGA)

Previous Winners Finishes at Event:

2024: Grayson Murray

Sony Open in Hawaii
Waialae Country Club
2021
Grayson MurrayMC

2023: Si Woo Kim

Sony Open in HawaiiSony Open in HawaiiSony Open in HawaiiSony Open in HawaiiSony Open in Hawaii
Waialae Country ClubWaialae Country ClubWaialae Country ClubWaialae Country ClubWaialae Country Club
20222021201920182016
Si Woo KimT55T25MCT584

2022: Hideki Matsuyama

Sony Open in HawaiiSony Open in HawaiiSony Open in HawaiiSony Open in HawaiiSony Open in HawaiiSony Open in HawaiiSony Open in HawaiiSony Open in Hawaii
Waialae Country ClubWaialae Country ClubWaialae Country ClubWaialae Country ClubWaialae Country ClubWaialae Country ClubWaialae Country ClubWaialae Country Club
20212020201920172015201320122011
Hideki MatsuyamaT19T12T51T27T78MCMCMC

2021: Kevin Na

Sony Open in HawaiiSony Open in HawaiiSony Open in HawaiiSony Open in HawaiiSony Open in HawaiiSony Open in HawaiiSony Open in HawaiiSony Open in HawaiiSony Open in HawaiiSony Open in HawaiiSony Open in HawaiiSony Open in HawaiiSony Open in Hawaii
Waialae Country ClubWaialae Country ClubWaialae Country ClubWaialae Country ClubWaialae Country ClubWaialae Country ClubWaialae Country ClubWaialae Country ClubWaialae Country ClubWaialae Country ClubWaialae Country ClubWaialae Country ClubWaialae Country Club
2018201720162015201420132012201120102009200820052004
Kevin NaMCT36T28T64T8MCMCT20T52T5T4MCT41

2020: Cameron Smith

Sony Open in HawaiiSony Open in HawaiiSony Open in HawaiiSony Open in Hawaii
Waialae Country ClubWaialae Country ClubWaialae Country ClubWaialae Country Club
2019201820172016
Cameron SmithT22T18T27T81

Picks:

Outrights

Austin Eckroat (+4000) – BetMGM

Risk 0.20 Units to win 8.00 Units

Ben Griffin (+5000) – FanDuel

Risk 0.16 Units to win 8.00 Units

Harry Hall (+5000) – FanDuel

Risk 0.16 Units to win 8.00 Units

Daniel Berger (+6000) – FanDuel

Risk 0.14 Units to win 8.40 Units

Mackenzie Hughes (+6000) – FanDuel

Risk 0.14 Units to win 8.40 Units

Michael Thorbjornsen (+8000) – BetMGM

Risk 0.10 Units to win 8.00 Units

Nico Echavarria (+10000) – FanDuel

Risk 0.08 Units to win 8.00 Units

Michael Kim (+12000) – FanDuel

Risk 0.07 Units to win 8.40 Units

Top 20 (Inc. Ties)

Taylor Pendrith (+150) – BetMGM

Risk 1.00 Units to win 1.50 Units

Luke Clanton (+170) – BetMGM

Risk 1.00 Units to win 1.70 Units

Best of luck, and as always you can find me on Twitter @GatorBetting and Instagram @Gator_Sports_Betting. Any feedback whether positive or negative is always encouraged.

Podcast 666 – 2 – 25 – NFL Week 17 Recap and Betting Spots – College Football Playoffs – Sports Betting

We have a great show for you today!  Will Hill from @VSINLIVE, Bear Bets and the Gold Boyz discord joins us to talk some huge football! First, Kiev recaps the weekend with the good the bad in the ugly.  Next, he gets into the college football playoffs with a few Free Plays. Then, Will comes on and we get into black Monday with some big coach firings.  Who else should go?  Then, Will and Kiev touch on the opening lines for the NFL Wildcard Weekend with a few Free Plays and some leans.  Next, Will and Kiev talk college football playoffs.  Finally, the guys give a few predictions on who might win it all!  Should you have any questions for the podcast, or games that you want us to cap during our shows, please message us at Info@TheOddsBreakers.com.  Have a wonderful week!

Link to wagering on our best bets from the show:  https://theoddsbreakers.com/mybookie/ Must Be 21+. Gambling Problem? Call or Text 1-800-GAMBLER.

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Sunday Free Play Video:

Premium Selections over at www.oddsbreakers.com

3 Free Selections:
NFL: Vikings/Lions
NBA: Lakers/Rockets
NHL: Flyers/Leafs

Go check out @oddsbreakers – Tons of free content!!

NFL Week 18 Sunday Fun-day Plays – Sports Betting

Bills vs Patriots +3.5 O/U 35.5

Remember when we said that NFL Week 18 is more about motivation than anything else?   Well, there a a few things going on here with this game.  I think that the big reason that the Bills are favored here is that Josh Allen has a pretty long consecutive starts streak that he doesn’t want to break.   How long does he play?   I can’t think that it is going to be for more than a quarter as the Bills are locked into the two spot.   If everyone remembers, the Bills always seem to be injured come playoff time and this year is an exception.   I do not think McDermott will try hard to win this game.  The Patriots on the other hand are not thinking about draft pick order.   The Bears helped seal that thought this year when they crapped the bed due to poor coaching after having the top draft pick in Caleb Williams.  Drake Maye will start this game, and I think that pretty much says it all for the Pats.

Patriots +3.5 – 2 stars

Bonus Play:   Chiefs +10.5 – 2 stars – It is true that the Chiefs are locked into the number 1 spot, but these teams still hate each other.  I expect Carson Wentz to play well in Denver while the Chiefs prove that they are deep.   

NFL Week 18 Sharp Money Movement

As Of Thursday 1/2

Sharp Money On:

  • Chargers -3.5 to -4.5 at the Raiders – 87% tickets and 90% of the money.
  • Seahawks PK to -6.5 at the Rams – 26% tickets and 44% of the money.
  • Jets +2.5 to PK hosting the Dolphins – 30% tickets and 52% of the money.

Sharp Totals:

  • Commanders vs Cowboys under 46 to 44 – 26% tickets and 80% of the money.
  • 49ers vs Cardinals under 46.5 to 42.5 – 20% tickets and 35% of the money.

College Basketball Saturday Super-Play – Sports Betting

ULCA vs Nebraska -2 O/U 132.5

This should be a good big 10 game for the first weekend of 2025.  The Bruins travel to the Corn Huskers and I am sure that Nebraska won’t be all too welcoming.  I like what UCLA has done this year so far with big wins against Oregon, Arizona and Gonzaga, but let’s be real.   This team is a big overrated at 17.   The Bruins have not played a great non-conference schedule ranking 272nd on Kenpom.   This team plays slow, but doesn’t have the ability to play catchup.   They only rank 265th in free throw percentage which could bite them in close games.  Nebraska on the other hand has done very well from the charity stripe rankng 55th in the nation.  They rank 75th in offensive efficiency and 17th on defense.  I also like the fact that they have three big guys down low that can take on guys like Tyler Bilodeau and Aday Mara.  I expect Nebraska to come out firing and take UCLA out of this team early.

Nebraska -2 – 2.5 stars

Saturday Free Play Video:

CINCINNATI, OHIO - OCTOBER 04: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates after the 33-25 win against Jacksonville Jaguars at Paul Brown Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Premium Selections over at www.oddsbreakers.com

3 Free Selections:
NFL: Bengals/Steelers
NBA: Knicks/Bulls
NHL: Lightning/Kings

Go check out @oddsbreakers – Tons of free content!!

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