--- title: "Sony Open at Waialae CC now a PGA Tour Champions event" description: "Hawaii’s iconic Sony Open moves to the senior circuit in 2026, reshaping the early-year golf calendar with a January date at Waialae Country Club." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/sony-open-at-waialae-cc-now-a-pga-tour-champions-event-26889520 published: 2026-07-03T08:46:04.447+00:00 updated: 2026-07-03T08:46:04.447+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["golf"] --- # Sony Open at Waialae CC now a PGA Tour Champions event > Hawaii’s iconic Sony Open moves to the senior circuit in 2026, reshaping the early-year golf calendar with a January date at Waialae Country Club. The Sony Open at Waialae Country Club will become a PGA Tour Champions event in 2026, running January 14–16 and concluding on a Saturday. The tournament’s move to the senior tour marks the first time Waialae Country Club—a 7,076-yard, par-70 layout in Honolulu—hosts a Champions event. The 2026 edition replaces the traditional PGA Tour stop, which had been held annually since 1965. Dates are fixed for mid-January, aligning with Hawaii’s peak tourism season and offering a unique winter showcase for senior stars. Waialae’s membership approved the transition after months of negotiations, citing the Champions Tour’s growing viewership and sponsorship appeal. The club retains title sponsorship from Sony, ensuring continuity in branding while tapping into a broader demographic of golf fans. Tournament officials confirmed the 2026 field will feature 78 players, down from the PGA Tour’s 156-man lineup, with a stronger emphasis on past champions and legends. Reactions from the golf community have been mixed but pragmatic. ‘This is a bold move that could redefine how we view early-season golf,’ said veteran broadcaster Johnny Miller. ‘Waialae’s narrow fairways and trade-wind challenges will test these guys like never before—perfect for a Champions Tour finale.’ Local organizers emphasized the economic upside, projecting a 20% increase in visitor spending tied to the event’s new senior-circuit cachet. That projected 20% surge in visitor spending isn't just wishful thinking; it reflects a targeted demographic shift. Senior golf fans typically stay longer and spend more on hospitality than the transient PGA Tour crowds. By shrinking the field to 78 players, Waialae creates an intimate, high-value experience that appeals directly to high-net-worth retirees and corporate sponsors looking for exclusive access in a premium winter destination. Strategically, this move positions Hawaii as the linchpin for a potential Pacific Rim expansion of the Champions Tour. With the PGA Tour focusing on global markets, the senior circuit can capitalize on the void, using Waialae as a logistical bridge between the US mainland and emerging Asian markets. This isn't just a one-off schedule change; it's a calculated gamble to turn Hawaii into a year-round golf hub rather than a seasonal stopover. What's next: Waialae Country Club will finalize tournament operations by mid-2025, including sponsor activations and player commitments. The PGA Tour Champions schedule for 2026 will officially debut the Sony Open as its Hawaii anchor, with potential expansion to other senior events in the Pacific region. The shift also signals a strategic pivot for Hawaii’s golf calendar, freeing the PGA Tour’s early‑season slot for other tournaments and allowing the state to capitalize on the Champions Tour’s growing fan base. By hosting a senior event, Waialae positions itself as a year‑round destination for seasoned pros, potentially attracting repeat visitors and boosting local hospitality revenues. In the long term, the Sony Open’s transition could pave the way for additional senior tournaments in the Pacific, creating a regional circuit that leverages Hawaii’s climate and tourism infrastructure. The move may also inspire other courses to explore senior‑tour partnerships, expanding opportunities for veteran players and diversifying the sport’s appeal across demographics. ## Why this matters The Sony Open’s pivot to PGA Tour Champions in 2026 injects fresh energy into Hawaii’s golf calendar while giving the senior tour a marquee winter stop. For Waialae, it’s a strategic bet on a growing audience and lucrative sponsorships. For players, the shift means a shorter, sharper field competing on one of golf’s most demanding tracks. Fans gain a new winter showcase featuring legends under Hawaii’s sun—proving that tradition and evolution can coexist. ## Frequently asked ### Why is the Sony Open moving to PGA Tour Champions? Waialae Country Club and tournament organizers cited the Champions Tour’s rising viewership and sponsorship potential as key drivers. The move aligns with the club’s long‑term vision to modernize the event while maintaining its historic ties to Hawaii. ### Will the tournament still be called the Sony Open? Yes. Sony retains title sponsorship, ensuring the event keeps its name despite the shift to the senior tour. The branding continuity helps preserve the tournament’s established identity. ### How many players will compete in the 2026 Sony Open? The 2026 field will include 78 players, a reduction from the PGA Tour’s previous 156‑man lineup. The smaller field prioritizes past champions and legends, reflecting the Champions Tour’s focus on experience. ### What are the dates for the 2026 Sony Open? The tournament will run January 14–16, 2026, concluding on a Saturday. The mid‑January timing leverages Hawaii’s peak tourism season and avoids conflicts with other major golf events. ### Will Waialae Country Club’s layout change for the Champions Tour? No. The 7,076‑yard, par‑70 course will remain unchanged. Its narrow fairways and trade‑wind challenges are expected to test the senior players’ precision and adaptability. ### What does this mean for the PGA Tour’s Hawaii presence? The PGA Tour will no longer hold a Hawaii event in January. The shift frees up the slot for other tournaments and reshapes the early‑season golf calendar, with Waialae now anchoring the senior tour’s winter schedule. ## Sources & Citations - [Sony Open at Waialae CC now a PGA Tour Champions event](https://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/49241212/sony-open-waialae-cc-now-pga-tour-champions-event) — ESPN (2026-07-01) --- Cite: Sony Open at Waialae CC now a PGA Tour Champions event. Sportopod, 2026-07-03. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/sony-open-at-waialae-cc-now-a-pga-tour-champions-event-26889520