2023 Sony Open Betting Preview, Predictions & Top Pick
As the PGA TOUR moves to Honolulu from Maui in preparation for the 2023 Sony Open in Hawaii at Waialae Country Club, the Hawaii Swing resumes.
The proximity of Waialae and Kapalua marks the beginning and end of their similarities, as Waialae is on the opposite end of the spectrum regarding layout. Gone are the undulating fairways and greens at last week’s Sentry Tournament of Champions, and enters the strategic, cramped golf course that demands accuracy.
With many of the world’s top-25 golfers since departing for the mainland, this field is wide open just as it is every year. Let’s take a closer look at the course itself, and one player that I think will find himself in the mix come Sunday.
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
2023 Sony Open Betting Preview, Predictions & Top Pick (PGA Tour)
Previous Winners of the Sony Open
- 2022: Hideki Matsuyama
- 2021: Kevin Na
- 2020: Cameron Smith
Course Preview: Waialae Country Club
Waialae Country Club is a 7,044-yard par 70 that requires players to be accurate off the tee for any chance at success. The Honolulu course, created by Seth Raynor and most recently refurbished by Tom Doak, is one of the Tour’s longest-running host locations.
The tight course features 83 bunkers and fairways surrounded by trees. Despite being in Hawaii, only three holes run directly aligned with the water.
Relevant Betting Stats
- Driving Accuracy
- Putting: Bermuda greens
- SG: Ball Striking
Outright Betting Pick: Russell Henley (+2000)
In his quest to become just the third golfer since 2000 to win this event twice, I think Henley has a real shot come this weekend in Hawaii. With not much star power in this event, Henley finds himself the ninth-ranked golfer in this field, according to the OWGR, thanks to some strong play to begin the 2022-23 season.
In his five events entered, Henley has made the cut in three, including an outright win at the Mayakoba Classic back at the start of November. He also has the luxury of playing just last week at the Sentry, shooting sub-par rounds all four days to finish T30 (-12).
And then there’s his history here at Waialae.
Winning here in 2013, Henley was one stroke away from making it two wins last year, taking a commanding lead into Sunday before Hideki Matsuyama shot a back-nine 31 to force a playoff. Losing in the playoff, Henley finished solo second in just his latest strong outing here.
With a T11 here the year prior and now entering this week as the most accurate driver on Tour, I think we see another strong showing from Henley.
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