Newly named Sony Championship will form a new Hawaii swing Friday, July 03, 2026 12:05 am 1/2 Swipe or click to see more KYLE TERADA / USA TODAY SPORTS / 2024 Stewart Cink won the Mitsubishi Electric tournament on Hawaii island in January.
He competed in the Sony Open in Hawaii at Waialae Country Club in 2024.
2/2 Swipe or click to see more MARCO GARCIA / IMAGN IMAGES / JAN 17 One of the stars of the PGA Champions Tour is Vijay Singh, who played in Sony Open in January.
He played in the Mitsubishi Electric a week later.
By Dave Reardon Star-Advertiser Share this story The stability of an event that was mostly an afterthought during the long months of angst over the dwindling presence of the PGA Tour in Hawaii was a key to salvaging a Champions Tour tournament at Waialae Country Club.
The stability of an event that was mostly an afterthought during the long months of angst over the dwindling presence of the PGA Tour in Hawaii was a key to salvaging a Champions Tour tournament at Waialae Country Club.
Absolutely, said Mark Rolfing, when asked if the presence of the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai on Hawaii island helped make turning the Sony Open in Hawaii into another 50-and-over event possible.
Mitsubishi has been a phenomenal part of this.
And for them to agree to go second this year, that was really important, and thanks to Mitsubishi for doing that.
ADVERTISING The new Hawaii Swing events wont feature players in their prime, but they will be televised live in prime time on the mainland during back-to-back weeks in January.
Also, what will now be called the Sony Championship Hawaii will tee off a week before the first regular PGA Tour event, the American Express in La Quinta, Calif.
It wont be quite the same as the previous 60 years with many of the worlds best at their prime playing at Waialae.
Still, the transition to a PGA Tour Champions event could be a blessing for several reasons.
The Jan.
14-16, 54-hole tournament at Waialae ends on Saturday instead of Sunday, meaning less competition with the NFL for viewers.
Thats good for the Golf Channel, which will televise both Hawaii events, and good for the state, which considers golf a marketing investment that attracts visitors with beauty shots of sunny skies beamed into mainland homes during the middle of winter.
Welcoming the Sony Championship Hawaii to Waialae is more than hosting a world class golf event its an opportunity to showcase the spirit of aloha and strengthen the community impact that has uplifted our islands for decades, said Gov.
Josh Green, who was quoted in a release from the PGA Tour and Sony on Wednesday.
We are proud to see this next chapter unfold and grateful for partners who share our commitment to Hawaiis people and future.
Mahalo to the PGA TOUR Champions and Sony Group Corporation leadership for perpetuating professional golf in the Hawaiian Islands.
Rolfing was instrumental in bringing the stakeholders together.
Im ecstatic, said Rolfing, the Golf Channel broadcaster from Maui.
I almost cant believe it happened, because the situation seemed so dire to us.
I feel like Sony basically saved the PGA Tours presence in Hawaii.
The 78-player field will compete for a $3 million purse.
Then most of them will fly to the Big Island to play at Hualalai, which has a contract with Mitsubishi through 2030.
Consecutive Champions Tour events to start the season in Hawaii will give both events star-power boost.
And legendary performers are cherished in golf more than other sports because many can still play well deep into middle-age.
Current Champions Tour stars include Ernie Els, Jim Furyk, Vijay Singh, Zach Johnson and K.J.
Choi all of whom are past Sony Open in Hawaii champions.
The Waialae layout is shorter than most PGA Tour stops and plays to a par 70, making it ideal for the older pros who dont drive the ball as far as they once did.
Its remarkable this has happened and I think the ratings could well be higher (than for previous Sony Opens.
It couldnt have worked out better, Rolfing said.
Take a look at the past winners who are on this (Champions) tour.
I think its going to be tremendous.
I think it has a chance to draw (more spectators).
In April, the PGA Tour confirmed reports from media outlets, including the Star-Advertiser, that the Sony Open would no longer be a regular event, but might become part of the Champions Tour, as part of a two-event swing with the Mitsubishi, and that The Sentry at Kapalua on Maui would not return.
New PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp wants a redesigned schedule, with fewer events, but more in larger markets than Hawaii.
The Sentry on Maui was not played this year, due to drought conditions and water rights issues.
The Sony Open took its place as the PGA Tours first event of the calendar year.
Many thought this years Sony Open would be the final PGA Tour event of any kind at Waialae, which has hosted the tour every year since 1965.
The Sony Championship Hawaii will be the sixth PGA Tour Champions event to be contested on a course that formerly hosted a PGA Tour event, according to Wednesdays release.
Internationally, PGA TOUR Champions coverage is available in more than 170 countries and territories via 22 media partners, according to the release.
Sony has been signature sponsor for 28 years and, according to the release, contributed more than $27 million for Hawaii nonprofit organizations, benefiting hundreds of local charities.
We are excited to welcome the Sony Championship Hawaii to PGA TOUR Champions.
Sony has been an incredible PGA TOUR partner since 1999, and we are looking forward to beginning this new era with the legends of the game competing on a truly iconic venue in Waialae Country Club, said PGA Tour Champions President Miller Brady in the release.
Sony Group President and CEO Hiroki Totoki expressed similar sentiments.
We are delighted to continue Sonys longstanding commitment to Hawaii and to the meaningful economic, charitable, and community impact that professional golf brings to the region, Totoki said.
Since 1999, the tournament has provided a unique opportunity for our employees, clients, and guests to experience the spirit of Hawaii alongside world-class golf competition.
As we transition to PGA TOUR Champions, we look forward to continuing our commitment to the State of Hawaii and also, to welcoming back many of the players and champions who have been such an important part of our history.