Sony Open preview: Five things to know as PGA Tour heads to Honolulu
The PGA Tour heads to Waialae Country Club for the Sony Open. GolfMagic has previewed the tournament and this is what you need to know.
The PGA Tour heads to Waialae Country Club for the Sony Open.
The Sony Open marks the first full-field event of 2024 and will be played over 11-14 January.
GolfMagic has you covered and here are five things you need to know.
1. Gary Woodland makes his return to the Tour
Welcome back, @GaryWoodland
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) January 5, 2024
Former U.S. Open champion Gary Woodland makes his first start in more than three months after having brain surgery.
Woodland had 'the majority' of a lesion removed from his brain.
Initially, he stated he wanted to try and treat the symptoms with medication but ultimately decided to go under the knife.
"This journey has been very hard but I’m extremely thankful to be progressing and for the unconditional love and support from everyone," Woodland recently wrote on social media.
2. Will Zalatoris makes first 'official' start since back injury
Will Zalatoris was forced to withdraw from the 2023 Masters before hitting a shot.
Zalatoris had back surgery last spring and did play in Tiger Woods' Hero World Challenge last month in the Bahamas.
Although he finished dead last, Zalatoris was pleased to finally be back out on the course.
"It's been a patience game," he said.
3. Prize money
The first PGA Tour event of 2024, The Sentry, was one of eight tournaments given 'signature' status. That meant winner Chris Kirk took home a hefty $3.6m.
The Sony Open does not boast the same purse, but there is still $8.3m on offer. The winner will scoop $1,494,000.
4. European debuts
Scotland's Robert MacIntyre was one of 10 DP World Tour players to secure a full PGA Tour card for 2024.
He has described his opportunity as a 'golden ticket' and a 'free go'.
Other than MacIntyre, Alexander Bjork, Ryo Hisatsune and Sami Valimaki will be making their first starts having secured their cards.
5. Young talent on display
Swedish phenom Ludvig Aberg makes his first start of 2024.
Aberg has been tipped for big things having won events on the PGA Tour and DP World Tour since turning professional.
He starred in Luke Donald's triumphant European Ryder Cup team.
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