Golf: PGA Tour – Sony Open
Venue: Waialae Country Club, Hawaii
Dates: Thursday 9th – Sunday 12th January 2020
Tournament Preview
The PGA Tour continues apace in Hawaii as the world’s best do battle once more in tropical climbs. With last week’s Sentry Tournament of Champions being for 2019 tour winners only, the field at the Sony Open promises to more diverse and there are plenty of big names from all over the world in action. The Sony Open has been a staple on the PGA Tour for over 50 years and with the likes of Vijay Singh, Jim Furyk and David Toms as part of the winning alumni in Hawaii, the event carries a huge amount of prestige. There is over $1.3 million on offer for the winner of the 2020 Sony Open and with Ryder Cup points to play for, it promises to be a fascinating week in Hawaii.
Betting Preview
Outright Winner
The PGA Tour looks stronger than ever with a generation of players at the very top of their game and picking a winner at the Sony Open looks to be a difficult task:-
Justin Thomas continues to go from strength to strength as one of the most consistent performers in the game and his play-off win at the Sentry Tournament of Champions last week was an indicator of the great form he is in.
American Webb Simpson enjoyed his most consistent year in 2019 without getting into the winners enclosure and he could be refreshed and ready to go in 2020.
Having fallen to heart-breaking play-off loss to Justin Thomas last time out at the Sentry Tournament of Champions, Patrick Reed will be eager to go one better this week.
Japanese superstar Hideki Matsuyama will be one to watch here in Hawaii on a course that should suit him and he will be desperate to kick on again in 2020.
Seasoned professional Kevin Kisner has been a consistent performer on the PGA Tour for a number of years and he will be looking to get off to a winning start to a season that could see him sneak a Ryder Cup spot.
1st Round Leader
Getting off to a flyer in the Hawaii sun could be essential this week and there are plenty of big names that will be hoping to do just that:-
Mexican superstar Abraham Ancer has an electrifying game and he will be hoping to get off to a flying start in Hawaii this week.
Australian Cameron Smith enjoyed his best year in 2019, capped with a top 5 finish at the Masters and he will be hoping that can be the catalyst for greater things in 2020.
Experienced American Chez Reavie enjoyed his best season on the PGA Tour in 2019 and has enjoyed somewhat of a resurgence in his career as he moves in 2020.
Top 5 Finish
With so many quality players assembled here in Hawaii, getting into the winning enclosure could be tough but there are plenty of candidates to finish in the top five come Sunday:-
Defending champion Matt Kuchar has been operating at the top of the game for the past decade and he will be relishing a return to Hawaii.
Chilean sensation Joaquin Niemann broke his duck on the PGA Tour last year and looked in good form at the Sentry Tournament of Champions last time out.
Powerful Australian Marc Leishman faded somewhat during the second half of the 2019 season but he could come back fit and firing here on a course that should suit his game.
BetXChange Best Bets:
Outright Winner: Justin Thomas – 5.50
1st Round Leader: Abraham Ancer – 50.00
Top Ten Finish: Matt Kuchar – 5.25
