Joe Champion
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The first golf double-header of 2024 features the return of Rory McIlroy in a new event, the Dubai Invitational on the DP World Tour, while the Sony Open in Hawaii marks the second leg of the PGA Tour’s so-called Opening Drive.
McIlroy is the red-hot favorite to lift the title at Dubai Creek Golf Club, while Euro stars Ludvig Aberg, Matt Fitzpatrick and Tyrrell Hatton are among the main contenders in the field at Waialae Country Club this week. Eight of the last 10 winners of the Sony Open have played the Sentry the week before and the betting market for the 2024 edition is dominated by those who had the chance to shake off the rust at Kapalua last week.
Aberg makes his Waialae debut this week as do Fitzpatrick and Hatton. Russell Henley, champion in 2013, is the only course debutant to triumph at the venue since Gay Brewer won the inaugural Hawaiian Open in 1965. That’s reason enough to swerve the 3 favorites.
Sony Open picks and predictions
All odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook
Brian Harman (+2500)
Reigning British Open champion Brian Harman looks a much better option than the favorites, having advertised his form with a fifth-place finish last week. The Hoylake hero is well suited to Waialae — a tight, short track which contracts sharply with Kapalua — and it’s hard to explain why he hasn’t contended more frequently for this title. He was, however, fourth in the 2018 Sony Open. What we do know about Harman is that the left-hander is in the form of his life, seemingly brimming with self-belief, and there’s every chance he can better that effort this week.
Justin Rose (+4000)
This is a rare Waialae outing for Justin Rose, but course form figures of 20-MC-12-13-2 underline his suitability for the track and he has become more accurate in recent seasons. Rose finished down the field at the Sentry but should prefer this shorter test.
Byeong Hun An (+4000)
Byeong Hun An, who was sidelined for 3 months after violating the PGA Tour’s anti-doping policy, returned with an excellent fourth at Kapalua. His form figures from the Scottish Open onwards read 3-23-2-37-43-4 and he was an eye-catching 12th at this venue in his debut in 2023.
Adam Hadwin (+6000)
Adam Hadwin has yet to find top gear in 3 Waialae appearances but this venue sets up well for the Canadian, who was a runner-up on his last start of last year at the Shriners Children’s Open then 14th at the Sentry thanks to a closing 64.
