Hawaii is ready to welcome back professional golf with open arms as the Sony Open returns to the beautiful island of Oahu from January 15-18, 2026. The prestigious tournament will take place at the Waialae Country Club in Honolulu, and it promises to be an exciting event for both players and fans alike.
The Sony Open is the first event of the PGA Tour’s new season, and it boasts a whopping $9.1 million purse. Not only that, but the winner will also receive 500 FedEx Cup points, making it a crucial event for players looking to get a head start in the race for the FedEx Cup.
Last year, Canadian golfer Nick Taylor emerged victorious at the Sony Open, taking home the coveted trophy. His impressive performance on the course earned him a spot in the history books, and he will undoubtedly be looking to defend his title this year. However, with a strong field of competitors, it won’t be an easy task for Taylor.
One of the most exciting aspects of the Sony Open is the opportunity for up-and-coming players to make a name for themselves on the PGA Tour. The tournament has a history of producing surprise winners, and this year could be no different. With a mix of experienced veterans and talented rookies, the competition is sure to be fierce.
But as we look forward to the 2026 Sony Open, there are a few notable names missing from the field. These players have been regulars at the tournament in the past, but for various reasons, they will not be participating this year. Let’s take a look at the top 5 PGA Tour names absent from the Sony Open 2026 field.
1. Tiger Woods
It’s no surprise that Tiger Woods tops this list. The 15-time major champion has been a dominant force in the world of golf for over two decades. However, due to a series of injuries and surgeries, Woods has not been able to compete at the highest level in recent years. Fans were hoping to see him make a comeback at the Sony Open, but unfortunately, he will not be teeing off at Waialae Country Club this year.
2. Phil Mickelson
Another veteran golfer who will be missed at the Sony Open is Phil Mickelson. The 51-year-old has had a successful career, winning 44 PGA Tour events, including five major championships. However, Mickelson has not been in top form in recent years, and he has decided to skip the Sony Open to focus on other tournaments. Fans will surely miss his charismatic personality and impressive golf skills on the course.
3. Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in golf, and his absence at the Sony Open will be felt by fans. The four-time major champion has been struggling with his game in recent months, and he has decided to take a break from competitive golf to work on his swing. While it’s disappointing not to see McIlroy in action at the Sony Open, fans are hopeful that he will return to form soon.
4. Brooks Koepka
Brooks Koepka has been a dominant force on the PGA Tour in recent years, winning four major championships. However, the 31-year-old has been dealing with a lingering knee injury, which has affected his performance on the course. Koepka has decided to skip the Sony Open to give his knee more time to heal, and fans are eagerly waiting for his return to the tour.
5. Jordan Spieth
Jordan Spieth is a fan favorite on the PGA Tour, and his absence at the Sony Open will surely be felt by fans. The 28-year-old has had a rough few years, struggling to find his form and consistency on the course. While Spieth has shown glimpses of his old self in recent months, he has decided to skip the Sony Open to focus on his game and prepare for the upcoming tournaments.
While these top players may not be competing at the Sony Open this year, the tournament still promises to be an exciting event. With a strong field of players, including the likes of Dustin Johnson, Justin Thomas, and Bryson DeChambeau, fans can expect some thrilling golf action at Waialae Country Club.
In conclusion, the Sony Open 2026 is set to be a fantastic event, with a mix of experienced veterans and rising stars competing for the coveted trophy. While we will miss the top names who