The Sony Open in Hawaii, a distinguished event on the PGA Tour since 1965, is held annually at the Waialae Country Club in Honolulu. This tournament has been a platform for both emerging talents and seasoned professionals to showcase their skills on a global stage.
Past Champions of the Sony Open
- 2025: Nick Taylor
- 2024: Grayson Murray
- 2023: Si Woo Kim
- 2022: Hideki Matsuyama
- 2021: Kevin Na
- 2020: Cameron Smith
- 2019: Matt Kuchar
- 2018: Patton Kizzire
- 2017: Justin Thomas
- 2016: Fabián Gómez
- 2015: Jimmy Walker
- 2014: Jimmy Walker
- 2013: Russell Henley
- 2012: Johnson Wagner
- 2011: Mark Wilson
- 2010: Ryan Palmer
- 2009: Zach Johnson
- 2008: K. J. Choi
- 2007: Paul Goydos
- 2006: David Toms
- 2005: Vijay Singh
- 2004: Ernie Els
- 2003: Ernie Els
- 2002: Jerry Kelly
- 2001: Brad Faxon
- 2000: Paul Azinger
- 1999: Jeff Sluman
- 1998: John Huston
- 1997: Paul Stankowski
- 1996: Jim Furyk
- 1995: John Morse
- 1994: Brett Ogle
- 1993: Howard Twitty
- 1992: John Cook
- 1991: Lanny Wadkins
- 1990: David Ishii
- 1989: Gene Sauers
- 1988: Lanny Wadkins
- 1987: Corey Pavin
- 1986: Corey Pavin
- 1985: Mark O’Meara
- 1984: Jack Renner
- 1983: Isao Aoki
- 1982: Wayne Levi
- 1981: Hale Irwin
- 1980: Andy Bean
- 1979: Hubert Green
- 1978: Hubert Green
- 1977: Bruce Lietzke
- 1976: Ben Crenshaw
- 1975: Gary Groh
- 1974: Jack Nicklaus
- 1973: John Schlee
- 1972: Grier Jones
- 1971: Tom Shaw
- 1970: *Not Played
- 1969: Bruce Crampton
- 1968: Lee Trevino
- 1967: Dudley Wysong
- 1966: Ted Makalena
- 1965: Gay Brewer
Notable Multiple Winners
- Jimmy Walker: Achieved consecutive victories in 2014 and 2015.
- Ernie Els: Secured backtoback titles in 2003 and 2004.
- Lanny Wadkins: Champion in 1988 and 1991.
- Corey Pavin: Won in 1986 and 1987.
- Hubert Green: Triumphed in 1978 and 1979.
Historical Highlights
- 1983: Isao Aoki became Japan’s first PGA Tour winner by holing out a wedge shot for an eagle on the 72nd hole, securing a onestroke victory over Jack Renner.
- 1998: John Huston set a thenPGA Tour scoring record by finishing 28underpar, surpassing Ben Hogan’s record from 1945.
- 2017: Justin Thomas set the tournament record with an aggregate score of 253 (27), showcasing exceptional performance throughout the event.
Sony Open in Hawaii Evolution
The Sony Open has undergone several transformations since its inception. Initially known as the Hawaiian Open, it later acquired title sponsors such as United Airlines and then Sony in 1999. Sony’s sponsorship has been one of the longestrunning in PGA Tour history, contributing significantly to the tournament’s prestige and global reach.
Course Characteristics
Waialae Country Club, the perennial host of the Sony Open, is renowned for its challenging layout and picturesque setting. The course is a par 70, featuring Bermuda greens and often subject to windy conditions, making it a true test of skill and adaptability for the players.
The Sony Open in Hawaii continues to be a cornerstone of the PGA Tour, offering thrilling golf action and contributing positively to society. Its rich history and tradition ensure its place as a beloved event among players and fans alike.