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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:
- 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:
| Duration | Course | Location |
| 1965-Present | Waialae Country Club | Honolulu, Hawaii, United States |
Previous Tournament Names:
| Duration | Tournament Name |
| 1965-1969, 1971-1990 | Hawaiian Open |
| 1991 | United Hawaiian Open |
| 1992-1998 | United Airlines Hawaiian Open |
| 1999-Present | Sony 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.
| Statistics | PGA Tour Average | Waialae Country Club |
| Driving Distance (Yards) | 283.70 | 286.53 |
| Driving Accuracy | 62% | 54% |
| GIR Percentage | 66% | 66% |
| Avg GIR Prox to Hole (Feet) | 29.17 | 28.92 |
| Scrambling Percentage | 58% | 59% |
| Avg 3 Putts / Round | 0.55 | 0.50 |
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
- According to the Data Golf Course History Tool, previous experience at Waialae Country Club has shown to be highly beneficial for players.
- 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 Club | Waialae Country Club | Waialae Country Club | Waialae Country Club | Waialae Country Club | |||
| Golfer | Events Played | Scoring Avg. (per round) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
| Byeong Hun An | 2 | 66.38 | 2 | 12 | – | – | – |
| Taylor Montgomery | 2 | 67.00 | 13 | 12 | – | – | – |
| Corey Conners | 6 | 67.29 | 57 | 12 | 11 | – | 12 |
| Russell Henley | 12 | 67.33 | 4 | 32 | 2 | 11 | MC |
| Ben Griffin | 2 | 67.38 | 30 | 12 | – | – | – |
| Chris Kirk | 14 | 67.48 | 18 | 3 | 27 | 2 | MC |
| Hayden Buckley | 3 | 67.00 | MC | 2 | 12 | – | – |
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 Club | Waialae Country Club | Waialae Country Club | Waialae Country Club | Waialae Country Club | |||
| Golfer | Events Played | Scoring Avg. (per round) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
| Doug Ghim | 3 | 71.50 | MC | – | – | MC | MC |
| Alex Smalley | 3 | 69.50 | MC | MC | MC | – | – |
| Takumi Kanaya | 4 | 69.38 | MC | – | MC | MC | – |
| Gary Woodland | 9 | 68.41 | MC | MC | – | – | – |
| C.T. Pan | 3 | 69.17 | MC | – | – | MC | – |
| Mattias Schmid | 2 | 69.75 | MC | MC | – | – | – |
| Carson Young | 2 | 70.50 | MC | MC | – | – | – |
| Camilo Villegas | 7 | 69.78 | MC | – | MC | – | – |
| David Skinns | 2 | 70.75 | MC | – | MC | – | – |
| Max McGreevy | 2 | 71.00 | – | MC | MC | – | – |
| Rico Hoey | 2 | 71.25 | MC | – | – | – | MC |
| Vincent Norman | 2 | 72.25 | MC | MC | – | – | – |
| Rafel Campos | 2 | 73.25 | – | – | – | MC | MC |
| Chan Kim | 2 | 69.50 | MC | – | MC | – | – |
| Gary Woodland | 9 | 68.41 | MC | MC | – | – | – |
Previous Winners Scores, Prices, and Strokes Gained (Rank at Tournament):
- 2024: Grayson Murray (-17)
- Price: 400-1
| SG: Off the Tee | SG: Tee to Green | SG: Approach | SG: Around the Green | SG: Putting | |
| Grayson Murray | 1st | 1st | 31st | 15th | 29th |
- 2023: Si Woo Kim (-18)
- Price: 45-1
| SG: Off the Tee | SG: Tee to Green | SG: Approach | SG: Around the Green | SG: Putting | |
| Si Woo Kim | 32nd | 1st | 1st | 13th | 38th |
- 2022: Hideki Matsuyama (-23)
- Price: 20-1
| SG: Off the Tee | SG: Tee to Green | SG: Approach | SG: Around the Green | SG: Putting | |
| Hideki Matsuyama | 5th | 5th | 25th | 22nd | 1st |
- 2021: Kevin Na (-21)
- Price: 80-1
| SG: Off the Tee | SG: Tee to Green | SG: Approach | SG: Around the Green | SG: Putting | |
| Kevin Na | 44th | 2nd | 5th | 8th | 23rd |
- 2020: Cameron Smith (-11)
- Price: 55-1
| SG: Off the Tee | SG: Tee to Green | SG: Approach | SG: Around the Green | SG: Putting | |
| Cameron Smith | 18th | 30th | 53rd | 9th | 1st |
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 Murray | MC |
2023: Si Woo Kim
| Sony Open in Hawaii | Sony Open in Hawaii | Sony Open in Hawaii | Sony Open in Hawaii | Sony Open in Hawaii | |
| Waialae Country Club | Waialae Country Club | Waialae Country Club | Waialae Country Club | Waialae Country Club | |
| 2022 | 2021 | 2019 | 2018 | 2016 | |
| Si Woo Kim | T55 | T25 | MC | T58 | 4 |
2022: Hideki Matsuyama
| Sony Open in Hawaii | Sony Open in Hawaii | Sony Open in Hawaii | Sony Open in Hawaii | Sony Open in Hawaii | Sony Open in Hawaii | Sony Open in Hawaii | Sony Open in Hawaii | |
| Waialae Country Club | Waialae Country Club | Waialae Country Club | Waialae Country Club | Waialae Country Club | Waialae Country Club | Waialae Country Club | Waialae Country Club | |
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2017 | 2015 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | |
| Hideki Matsuyama | T19 | T12 | T51 | T27 | T78 | MC | MC | MC |
2021: Kevin Na
| Sony Open in Hawaii | Sony Open in Hawaii | Sony Open in Hawaii | Sony Open in Hawaii | Sony Open in Hawaii | Sony Open in Hawaii | Sony Open in Hawaii | Sony Open in Hawaii | Sony Open in Hawaii | Sony Open in Hawaii | Sony Open in Hawaii | Sony Open in Hawaii | Sony Open in Hawaii | |
| Waialae Country Club | Waialae Country Club | Waialae Country Club | Waialae Country Club | Waialae Country Club | Waialae Country Club | Waialae Country Club | Waialae Country Club | Waialae Country Club | Waialae Country Club | Waialae Country Club | Waialae Country Club | Waialae Country Club | |
| 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2005 | 2004 | |
| Kevin Na | MC | T36 | T28 | T64 | T8 | MC | MC | T20 | T52 | T5 | T4 | MC | T41 |
2020: Cameron Smith
| Sony Open in Hawaii | Sony Open in Hawaii | Sony Open in Hawaii | Sony Open in Hawaii | |
| Waialae Country Club | Waialae Country Club | Waialae Country Club | Waialae Country Club | |
| 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | |
| Cameron Smith | T22 | T18 | T27 | T81 |
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.
Use Promo Code Basketball2025 TO GET $100 OFF EVERY Basketball OR YEARLY PACKAGE or 50% OFF THE FIRST MONTH OF ANY MONTHLY PACKAGE for the rest of the 2025 season! Click here: https://theoddsbreakers.com/premium-plays/ Offer expires December 31st 2025
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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:
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!!
College Football Bowls January 3rd – January 4th – Sports Betting – College Football
A huge thanks to Stuckey from The Action Network for providing data on transfers, opt-outs, and injuries.
Friday, Jan. 3
SERVPRO First Responder Bowl: North Texas vs. Texas State -13.5 O/U 62
Location: Gerald J. Ford Stadium (Dallas)
Time: 4 p.m.
TV Network: ESPN
North Texas’s Motivation: High – They always play close to home and get to beat in state rival.
Texas State’s Motivation: High – They get to beat in state rival.
Home: North Texas is only 46 miles away, but Texas State is only 275 miles. I will give North Texas 1 point here.
Key Guys Missing:
Texas State Transfer Portal
- Starting RB Ismail Mahdi (committed to Arizona)
- Starting RT Alex Harkey (committed to Oregon)
- Starting CB Josh Eaton (committed to Michigan State)
- Starting DT Terry Webb (375 snaps)
- Starting DT Tavian Coleman (355 snaps)
- DT Dominique Ratcliff (318 snaps)
- DE Ben Bell (opted out earlier in season)
Texas State Potential Opt-Out
- LG Nash Jones
Starting TE Konner Fox didn’t play in the finale. DE Steven Parker (367 snaps) missed the final three games.
It looks as if starting quarterback Jordan McCloud won’t play “significant snaps”.
North Texas Transfer Portal
- Starting QB Chandler Morris (committed to Virginia)
- Starting WR DT Sheffield (committed to Rutgers)
- Starting TE Oscar Hammond (committed to Oregon State)
- Starting C Tyler Mercer (committed to Kansas)
- LG Leke Asenuga (585 snaps; been injured)
- WR Nick Rempert (257 snaps)
- RT MaKyi Lee (246 snaps)
- S Jayven Anderson (181 snaps)
- CB Kerry Williams (113 snaps)
Without Morris, the Mean Green will turn to true freshman Drew Mestemaker, who came in for Morris as the backup this season.
Coach Bowl ATS:
- Texas State: GJ Kinne, 1-0
- North Texas: Eric Morris, 0-0
Net YPP: Texas State +.86
Basic Stats:
Key Stats: North Texas needs to run the ball to be successful here. They are missing their quarterback, which should signal Texas State to stack the box.
Verdict: Texas State should be able to throw all over North Texas if they can’t control the clock. This game could spiral as well as North Texas won’t be able to play catchup.
Play: Lean North Texas +13.5
Duke’s Mayo Bowl: Minnesota vs. Virginia Tech +9.5 O/U 43
Location: Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, North Carolina)
Time: 7:30 p.m.
TV Network: ESPN
Minnesota’s Motivation: High – PJ Fleck at 4-1 ATS in bowl games gets his kids up to play.
Virginia Tech’s Motivation: Medium – Very disappointing season for the Hokies, but could end on a good note.
Home: Virginia Tech gets a huge bump for being only 176 miles away. 2.5 points of home field.
Key Guys Missing:
Minnesota Transfer Portal
- Starting RT Phillip Daniels (signed with Ohio State)
- RB Jordan Nubin (60 snaps)
Minnesota Potential Opt-Outs
- DE Danny Stiggow
- OT Aireontae Ersery (sounds like he won’t play)
- DE Jah Joyner
- CB Justin Walley (declared for NFL Draft)
- OG Tyler Cooper
OL Quinn Carroll said he will play in a bowl, while S Aidan Gousby missed the final three games.
Virginia Tech Transfer Portal
- Starting LT Xavier Chaplin (signed with Auburn)
- Starting C Braelin Moore (likely to sign with LSU)
- Starting CB Mansoor Delane (committed to LSU)
- Starting S Mose Phillips (signed with Missouri)
- LB Sam Brumfield (378 snaps)
- LB Keli Lawson (276 snaps; committed to UCF)
- RB Malachi Thomas (168 snaps)
Virginia Tech Opt-Outs
- DE Antwaun Powell-Ryland
- DT Aeneas Peebles
- WR Da’Quan Felton
- WR Jaylin Lane
- CB Dorian Strong
Tuten, RG Kaden Moore, DT Wilfried Pene and SS Keonta Jenkins all weren’t spotted at a recent practice. Virginia Tech could be down 14 starters.
Keep an eye on Virginia Tech’s QB situation, as both QB1 Kyron Drones and QB2 Collin Schlee ended the year injured. As of Dec. 13, Drones is not expected to play, according to head coach Brent Pry. It will either be Schlee or Pop Watson at QB.
Coach Bowl ATS:
- Virginia Tech: Brent Pry, 1-0
- Minnesota: PJ Fleck, 4-1
Net YPP: Minnesota +.06
Basic Stats:
Key Stats: Both of these teams look quite equal on paper. The problem is all of the opt outs for Virginia Tech. What kind of team will they have to face the Gophers? Minnesota has the better offense and defense.
Verdict: This spread has gotten too large to play the Gophers. Just a lean.
Play: Lean Gophers -9 and under 43. Lean Minnesota team total over 27
Saturday, Jan. 4
Bahamas Bowl: Buffalo vs. Liberty +3 O/U 50.5
Location: Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium (Nassau, Bahamas)
Time: 11 a.m.
TV Network: ESPN2
Buffalo’s Motivation: Medium Low – No reason to care too much in the Bahamas. Pete Lembo is 0-2 ATS in bowls. Time to party.
Liberty’s Motivation: Medium Low – Also time to party for Liberty. Jamey Chadwell is 0-3 ATS in bowls.
Home: None
Key Guys Missing:
Liberty Transfer Portal
- Starting QB Kaidon Salter (signed with Colorado)
- Starting LG Jordan White (committed to Vanderbilt)
- Starting RT Xavior Gray (committed to Northwestern)
- Starting LT Jordan Hall
- Starting DL Bryce Dixon
- DL Eliyt Nairne (298 snaps; committed to Tulane)
Former App State transfer Ryan Burger will get the start at quarterback. Head coach Jamey Chadwell also stated that players in the portal won’t play in the bowl game and he expects some more opt outs.
Liberty Injuries
Starting S Quinton Reese didn’t play in the finale. Neither did starting TE Bentley Hanshaw.
Buffalo Transfer Portal
- K Upton Bellenfant (committed to Texas Tech; still on depth chart)
- WR Javien Cuff (210 snaps)
Buffalo Injuries
The Buffalo depth chart for its bowl game remains unchanged from its season finale.
Bowl Coach ATS:
- Buffalo: Pete Lembo, 0-2
- Liberty: Jamey Chadwell, 0-3
Net YPP: Liberty +1.15
Basic Stats:
Key Stats: Liberty shows to be the better team on paper in every EPA category, yet they had a pretty easy schedule. The Mac has been matching up well against other conferences in bowl play.
Verdict: Liberty on their backup quarterback and down 3 starters on the offensive line could really hurt.
Play: Buffalo ML -134 for 2 stars
References:
Podcast 665 – 1 – 25 – College Bowls Jan 3rd – Jan 4th – FCS Championship – NFL Week 18 – CBB Jan 3rd and 4th – Sports Betting
We have a great show for you today! Sports galore and we get right into it with some college football bowls! Kiev then has a FCS guest in Bryce Fischer who is a Montana State Alumni and knows a thing or two about FCS football. We talk North Dakota State vs Montana State! Then, Kiev talks NFL week 18 and the motivational spots for the weekend with some Free Plays. Next, we give out our refuse to lose teaser that is 12-5 for the season. After that, Kiev talks some college basketball for the weekend with a few plays. Then, we get into some NFL sharp money movement and recap our plays. 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.
Use Promo Code Basketball2025 TO GET $100 OFF EVERY Basketball OR YEARLY PACKAGE or 50% OFF THE FIRST MONTH OF ANY MONTHLY PACKAGE for the rest of the 2025 season! Click here: https://theoddsbreakers.com/premium-plays/ Offer expires December 31st 2025
Follow our FREE PICKS telegram channel: https://t.me/TheOddsBreakersFreePicks
Follow Kiev O’Neil’s NEW personal FREE PICKS telegram Channel: https://t.me/KievONeil
If you want to subscribe to support us and get some very frequent winners please Click Here to become a member of The OddsBreakers and gain access to premium plays BEFORE the line moves! Or, you can visit theoddsbreakers.com and click shop and pick one of our great handicappers including Kiev O’Neil @OBKiev at only $84 per month on a 1 year subscription!
You could also support us at Patreon.com for only $10 a month to help us out and thank us for some free plays as well as get some extra benefits like free merch and more!
