Defending champion Nick Taylor and Kevin Roy are tied atop the Sony Open leaderboard after an explosive opening round in Hawaii. Both golfers posted 8-under 62s on Thursday at Waialae Country Club, launching the 2026 PGA Tour season in spectacular fashion. The two are sharing the lead heading into Friday’s second round.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Tied Leaders: Nick Taylor and Kevin Roy both shot 8-under 62s in round one.
- Taylor’s Defense: The Canadian is making his case to repeat after winning last year’s playoff.
- Roy’s Hot Start: Kevin Roy remained bogey-free with five birdies on his front nine alone.
- Tournament Location: Sony Open runs Jan. 15-18 at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Taylor Joins the Elite 62 Club at Waialae
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Nick Taylor wasted no time showing why he’s defending champion. The Canadian star opened his round on hole 10 determined to make an early statement. He recorded five birdies over his first eight holes, then added three more down the stretch. Taylor was especially sharp on par-3s, nailing three of the four with birdies. His final birdie came on hole 18, part of a dominant closing sequence.
Taylor arrives in Hawaii with serious momentum. He’s posted four straight top-11 finishes at Waialae Country Club, including his playoff victory over Nico Echavarria just last January. “A golf course I feel very comfortable on,” Taylor said before the tournament, and his 62 on opening Thursday proved he backs up those words with action.
Kevin Roy Goes Bogey-Free in Opening Round
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Kevin Roy matched Taylor’s incredible pace to create an unexpected two-man lead. Roy’s bogey-free round featured five birdies on his front nine, then he kept the momentum going. Four consecutive birdies on holes 8, 9, 10, and 11 put Roy firmly in contention. He closed with another birdie on the par-5 18th for his 8-under 62.
“I think my swing is in a really good spot,” Roy said after posting one of the day’s best scores. He credited an offseason of preparation and small technical adjustments. “Couple small changes, but was playing really good golf coming to Hawai’i, so nice to see it in-tournament.” Roy’s clean card and aggressive play suggest he’s a legitimate contender for the title.
Early Leaderboard and Breakthrough Performances
Behind the two leaders, a thrilling battle is shaping up. Ben Griffin and Chris Gotterup both shot 7-under 63s to sit just one shot back. Both won their first PGA Tour events in 2025, and they’re playing as a threesome for the first two days, adding extra intensity to their pursuit. Alex Smalley holds the clubhouse lead at 6-under 64, seeking his first professional win ever in his 128th career start.
The afternoon wave brought more drama. Two-time major champion Russell Henley entered as the betting favorite at +1100 odds. Russell Henley, Hideki Matsuyama, and Keegan Bradley represent the tournament’s biggest names beyond Taylor. The field was reduced to 120 players this year, eliminating Monday qualifying spots and sharpening the competition level.
| Player | Score | Status |
| Nick Taylor | -8 (62) | T1, Defending Champ |
| Kevin Roy | -8 (62) | T1, Bogey-Free |
| Ben Griffin | -7 (63) | T3, 2025 Winner |
| Chris Gotterup | -7 (63) | T3, 2025 Winner |
| Alex Smalley | -6 (64) | 5, Seeking First Win |
“I hit a lot of great shots on par-3s. I birdied three of the four. So far, so good for Taylor.”
— Nick Taylor, PGA Tour Defending Champion
Waialae Country Club Plays to Par 70 and Offers Scoring Opportunities
The iconic Waialae Country Club in Honolulu has returned to its traditional home for the Sony Open. Built in 1927 by legendary architect Seth Raynor, the course stretches to 7,044 yards at par 70. The PGA Tour has hosted this tournament here since 1965. Thursday’s opening round saw multiple sub-par performances, suggesting the course is playing generously. The reversed nines (normally altered for the Sony) help golfers take advantage of scenic Hawaiian sunsets on the back side.
Taylor has dominated at Waialae, posting consistent results. Waialae’s par-3s and par-5s offer birdie opportunities for aggressive players. The grandstands near the 18th hole came into play for J.J. Spaun, whose second shot clanged off the structure before rolling into a greenside bunker, from which he holed out for an eagle. Four straight top-11 finishes by Taylor suggest his preferred approach to this venue pays dividends in Hawaii.
What Can We Expect in Rounds Two and Three?
Friday’s second round will test whether Taylor and Roy can maintain their blistering pace. The 2026 PGA Tour season opens with star power on display, as the field includes past champions, major winners, and emerging breakthrough talent. Keegan Bradley, fresh from his U.S. Ryder Cup captain role, is competing to stake an early claim. Collin Morikawa (+2000 odds) seeks his first official win since 2023. Griffin and Gotterup remain a threat, combining youth, momentum, and championship experience.
The $9.1 million purse (up from $8.7 million last year) rewards the winner with $1.638 million and 500 FedEx Cup points. Will Taylor claim his second consecutive Sony title, or can Roy sustain his bogey-free brilliance? Friday’s action at Waialae promises more explosive scoring in Hawaii.
Sources
- Golfweek – Sony Open live leaderboard updates and first-round results from January 15, 2026
- PGA Tour – Official tournament leaderboard, field information, and prize money details
- Yahoo Sports Canada – Nick Taylor defending champion coverage and first-round analysis
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.