talkSPORT betting tips – Best golf bets and expert advice for the Sony Open

The PGA Tour cranks back into action this week as the Sony Open in Hawaii provides an opportunity for some of the leading lights to make the perfect start to 2026.

Canada’s Nick Taylor is back to defend the title he claimed by beating Nico Echavarria in a play-off at the Waialae Country Club 12 months ago, while Hideki Matsuyama and Russell Henley are also among the former champions who will be aiming for more success at the Honolulu venue.

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Sony Open Tips

• Russell Henley (win & each-way) @ 12/1
• Harry Hall (win & each-way) @ 35/1
• Nico Echavarria (win & each-way) @ 35/1

Henley geared for another Sony triumph

This week’s test at the Waialae Country Club is a tight one where strong iron-play to small greens can be the recipe for success, and that can play into Russell Henley’s hands.

The Georgian has fond memories of the Honolulu track as it was the venue for the first of his five PGA Tour victories when he won by three shots in 2013.

That may seem a long time ago, but he has kicked on since then and is looking to build on a strong 2025, when he posted 10 top-10 finishes.

A successful year included second spot at the Tour Championship and a win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, and 10th spot last year and a play-off defeat to Hideki Matsuyama in 2022 at this venue further enhance his chances of making a winning start to the new year.

Hall ready to make that next step

Harry Hall enjoyed an excellent second half of 2025 that put him on the verge of a Ryder Cup spot and while that did not materialise, he should approach the new year confidently.

He finished in the top 25 in 12 of 13 tournaments from May to September and the only time he failed to achieve that standard of finish was when he was 28th at The Open at Royal Portrush.

The Cornishman, who won the Isco Championship in July 2024 when he came out on top in a five-man play-off, has the short-game skills to get to grips with Waialae, and the 10th spot he secured last year should encourage him that he can make an even bolder challenge this time.

Revenge possible for Echavarria

Nico Echavarria fell in extra holes to Nick Taylor is last year’s Sony Open in Hawaii and there are reasons to be enthusiastic about his chances of going one better this time.

The Colombian is one of the sharpest putters in this week’s field and he could be a factor again if he keeps the ball away from the trees and finds the greens.

He was 12th in 2023 when he closed with two rounds of 65 and has some good autumnal form to bring into this week’s competition, having finished ninth at the Baycurrent Classic and fourth in his last outing at the RSM Classic at the end of November.

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