Hawaii welcomes professional golf back! After a year of uncertainty and cancellations due to the pandemic, the Sony Open is set to take place from January 15-18, 2026, at the beautiful Waialae Country Club in Honolulu. As the first event of the PGA Tour in the new year, golf enthusiasts and players alike are eagerly awaiting the return of this prestigious tournament. With a hefty $9.1 million purse and 500 FedEx Cup points up for grabs, the stage is set for an exciting season-opening event.
Last year, Canadian golfer Nick Taylor took home the trophy, marking his second win on the PGA Tour. However, as we gear up for the 2026 edition of the Sony Open, there are some notable absentees from the field. Let’s take a look at the top 5 names who will not be teeing off at Waialae Country Club this year.
1. Brooks Koepka
Four-time major champion, Brooks Koepka, has been a regular at the Sony Open in the past few years. However, due to a wrist injury, the 31-year-old has withdrawn from the event. Although he has yet to make a statement about his return to the Tour, fans are hopeful to see him back in action soon. Koepka’s absence will certainly be felt at the Sony Open, as his powerful drives and consistent performance have always been a treat to watch.
2. Justin Thomas
Defending champion Justin Thomas will also be missing from this year’s Sony Open. With his father’s recent passing, Thomas has opted to take some time off from the Tour to be with his family. This will be the first time in five years that the 28-year-old will not be competing at Waialae Country Club. Thomas’ absence will certainly leave a void, as he has been a regular at this event and has always performed exceptionally well on this course.
3. Dustin Johnson
World number one and 2018 champion, Dustin Johnson, will not be participating in the 2026 Sony Open. After a remarkable performance in 2021, where he secured two major titles and won the FedEx Cup, Johnson has decided to skip the early events of the new season to focus on his health and prepare for the majors ahead. Fans will surely miss seeing DJ’s towering drives and smooth putting at Waialae Country Club.
4. Rory McIlroy
Another big name missing from the Sony Open’s 2026 field is four-time major champion, Rory McIlroy. Known for his aggressive style of play and incredible short game, McIlroy has been a fan favorite at this event for many years. However, due to the hectic schedule and his commitment to the European Tour, McIlroy has opted to skip the Sony Open this year. It will be a miss for golf fans to not see the Northern Irishman in action at Waialae Country Club.
5. Hideki Matsuyama
Japanese golfer Hideki Matsuyama, who won the 2021 Masters, will also not be in the field for this year’s Sony Open. The 29-year-old has recently become a father and has decided to take some time off to be with his family. His absence will surely be felt by the local fans, as Matsuyama has always been a crowd favorite in Hawaii, having won the tournament in 2017.
Despite the absence of these top names, the 2026 Sony Open promises to be an exciting event with many talented players in the field. Fans can expect to see the likes of Xander Schauffele, Bryson DeChambeau, and Jordan Spieth competing for the title. And let’s not forget about last year’s champion, Nick Taylor, who will be seeking to defend his title at Waialae Country Club.
In addition to the thrilling action on the course, the Sony Open also holds a special place in the hearts of the players and fans as it marks the beginning of a new season and a fresh start for many. With the pandemic still present, the return of professional golf to Hawaii is a positive sign and a much-needed boost for the sport.
So, will Nick Taylor be able to defend his title at the Waialae Country Club in 2026? Or will a new champion emerge? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure – the Sony Open is back, and it’s going to be an event