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Horse Racing Sony Open in Hawaii Tip: 91.00 Pick For This Weekend’s Action
Sony Open in Hawaii Tip: Thursday, January 11th
The Sony Open in Hawaii returns to Waialae Country Club. We have analysed the betting markets to bring you our best Sony Open tip.
- Selection: Erik Van Rooyen EW (1/4 1-5)
- Best Odds: 91.00 (bet365)
- Stakes: 1/10
Odds via bet365 as at 13.55 January 9th 2024. Odds may now differ.
In this article:
Sony Open in Hawaii Overview
Thursday, 11th January, 12:00 (UK)
Waialae Country Club once again hosts the Sony Open, having done so each year since 1965. Unlike last week, where only 59 players were involved, the Sony Open is the first PGA Tour full field event of the year.
A Seth Raynor design, Waialae couldn’t be much different to last week’s test at Kapalua. A par 70 course, it is almost completely flat, with narrower than average fairways and small greens. Driving distance was favoured last week at Kapalua but accuracy is preferred at Waialae.
There are only two par fives at Waialae, with even the shortest hitters able to reach in two shots. Anything less than a birdie on those holes is considered a shot lost to the field. Shorter holes are a common feature throughout the course, with the course playing to a maximum of 7,044 yards.
There has been heavy rain in Honolulu the past few days and the course is expected to be soft when play begins on Thursday. Further rain is expected on Thursday and Friday. Wind can often be a factor in this event but a moderate week is forecast and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see a low scoring event as a result. Expect a winning score around twenty under par.
Sony Open in Hawaii Tip
Winners of the Sony Open have generally shaken off the winter rust by playing the Sentry Tournament of Champions. Only two winners out of the last ten have won at Waialae having not played at Kapalua the week before. Last year’s winner, Si Woo Kim, was one of those players but that is considered the exception rather than the rule. Several players throughout the years have spoken of the benefits of sharpening their game at Kapalua and I’m primarily focusing on those who played last week.
Erik Van Rooyen is one such player and he’s one I could see reaping the rewards of last week’s run out. Van Rooyen opened with a one under par round of 72 at Kapalua but played his final three rounds in twenty under par. A poor short game was the primary cause of that disappointing opening round but there’s plenty of encouragement to be taken from his performance off the tee and on the greens at Kapalua. The South African’s approach play is normally a strength, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him improve in that area this week.
Two starts at this event have yielded a missed cut and 20th place finish for Van Rooyen but it is notable that the 20th place finish came the only year he played the week before at Kapalua. Now a two time winner on the PGA Tour, he can make a title challenge. Back Van Rooyen at 91.00 with bet365.
Course experience counts for plenty at Waialae and I’m drawn to the 72 hole match bet between Brian Harman and Tyrrell Hatton. The reigning Open champion hasn’t missed a Sony Open in the last ten years, missing only one cut and failing to crack the top 35 on only three occasions. In contrast, Hatton makes his first start at this event. Both players played last week’s Sentry tournament, with Harman finishing above Hatton. It was a surprise to see the American as the outsider in this one and I’m happy to take the 2.00 on offer with bet365.
Finally, the Sony Open has been decided by a playoff in four of the last eight years. Additionally, two of those years were settled by a single stroke. The easy final hole offers eagle opportunities for those chasing and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see another close contest this time around. A small stake bet at odds of 4.00 with bet365 will at least offer interest until the very end.
- Selection: Erik Van Rooyen EW (1/4 1-5)
- Best Odds: 91.00 (bet365)
- Stakes: 1/10
Odds via bet365 as at 13.55 January 9th 2024. Odds may now differ.
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