The PGA Tour roadshow swings over to Hawaii on Thursday for the start of the Sony Open. You can expect a star-studded field at the Waialae County Club, which nestles between the beautiful Koolau mountain range on the north, and the Pacific Ocean on the south.
There will be plenty of big storylines this week, and Waialae CC will represent a stern test. Played over 7,000 yards, there are some demanding tee shots, such as the second, where the tee has been moved backed 60 yards. However, there could be some eagles at the 18th, especially for the likes of power hitter Bryson DeChambeau, as the green is reachable in two strokes.
We’ve handpicked three tips that you should bear in mind for this week’s event.
Cameron Smith to claim back-to-back wins @ 10/1 with bet365
Cameron Smith made a statement of intent last weekend after firing an eight-under-par final round of 65 at the Sentry Tournament of Champions to lift his first title in 2022.
In pipping Spaniard Jon Rahm by one stroke, Smith etched his name in PGA Tour folklore by posting the lowest score (-34) to get into the winners’ circle. Smith acquitted himself very well, and he is desperate to trail a blaze this season.
Currently, you can get odds of 10/1 with bet365 for the Aussie to claim back-to-back wins on the PGA Tour, and it will be fascinating to see how he gets on. While some will have cottoned on to what he’s been doing, he’s deserving of his single digit price.
Hideki Matsuyama to lead after Round 1 @ 33/1 with bet365
This is a big year for Hideki Matsuyama. He put Japanese golf on the map last year with his stunning triumph at the Masters, and he will find some joy in and around the greens at Waialae.
Matsuyama’s stats stack up, and last year, he was 17th for strokes gained with approaches to the green, and 15th for strokes gained tee to green. The 29-year-old has such a beautifully constructed swing, and whether or not he will contend come Sunday remains to be seen, however, he could well be the clubhouse leader at the end of Round 1.
bet365 are offering an enticing 33/1 for Matsuyama to be leading after the first round.
Corey Connors to bag top-five finish @ 5/1 with bet365
Corey Conners has caught the eye ever since he earned his first PGA Tour title at the Valero Open in Texas. He has been a model of consistency, and in 2021, he possessed a threat wherever he played.
In 2019, he finished T3 at Waialae, and the following year, he came home in T12. He seems to be comfortable in Hawaii, and a top-five finish could well be on the cards. bet365 have priced him at 5/1 to do so.
:quality(70)/s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/xlmedia/daf6d5d1-65b5-41b2-9514-e3e17325174d.jpeg)
