Betting Guide for Sony Open Hawai’i: Top Picks and DFS Strategies

The 2026 PGA season begins with the Sony Open in Hawai’i, taking place at Waialae Country Club. This course prioritizes precision and iron play over sheer power, making it essential to find golfers who excel at gaining strokes with their approaches while minimizing mistakes. With long golf seasons ahead, it’s advisable to make selective bets rather than spreading funds too thin. Remember, the NFL playoffs and College Football National Championship are also significant events to monitor during this period.

Top Betting Picks for the Sony Open in Hawai’i

Russell Henley: Top 10 Contender (+115)

Russell Henley stands out as a strong candidate for a top-10 finish. He excels in strokes gained from both approach and tee-to-green metrics, which are critical at Waialae. Henley has an impressive track record at this venue, with one win, a runner-up finish, and multiple top-10 placements. This consistency often sees him gaining significant strokes with his irons, ensuring he remains competitive.

• Odds Breakdown:
  • Top 20: -185
  • Top 10: +115
  • Top 5: +230
  • To Win: +1100
  • 1st Round Leader: +2800

Ben Griffin: Top 20 Option (-130)

Ben Griffin also merits attention, especially for a top-20 finish. He leads the field in bogey avoidance and scrambling skills, both crucial at Waialae. Despite not having an extensive history at this course, Griffin has shown consistent improvement in his tee-to-green game. He remains error-free, which is vital for success at this challenging venue.

• Odds Breakdown:
  • Top 20: -130
  • Top 10: +165
  • Top 5: +330
  • To Win: +1700
  • 1st Round Leader: +3500

Chris Kirk: Top 30 Candidate (+100)

Chris Kirk is a solid choice for a top-30 finish, backed by his performance at Waialae. Throughout his career, Kirk has accumulated several top-10 finishes and provides a reliable betting option. His skill lies in achieving good ball striking, making it possible for him to excel on shorter courses like Waialae.

• Odds Breakdown:
  • Top 30: +100
  • Top 20: +145
  • Top 10: +320
  • Top 5: +650
  • To Win: +4000
  • 1st Round Leader: +5500

Daily Fantasy Golf Considerations

Key Players for Your DFS Lineup

• Keegan Bradley ($9,300): Elite ball-striking skills make him a strong choice, expected to accumulate fantasy points steadily.
• Kurt Kitayama ($8,900): He offers volatility with potential for high finishes, making him a high-risk, high-reward option.
• Mac Meissner ($7,500): He provides solid all-around performance, particularly in scrambling and avoiding bogeys.
• Matt McCarty ($7,500): Useful for low-budget plays; he’s dependable, ensuring he can produce consistent rounds.

Players to Avoid

• Gary Woodland ($7,400): Currently in decline, his statistics reflect struggles that may be further exposed at Waialae.

As the Sony Open in Hawai’i unfolds, these players may significantly impact both betting and daily fantasy strategies. Making informed decisions based on performance metrics and course suitability will maximize your chances of success.