by A quick trip on a puddle-jumper and the PGA Tour has landed on the island of Oahu for this week’s Sony Open. Defending champion Patton Kizzire, Mr. 59 Justin Thomas, and the Golf Channel camera crew will all be in attendance. Tee Times
Droning On
Last season was one of the most bizarre golf broadcasts we will ever see. Filmed by drone, Patton Kizzire beat James Hahn in a SIX HOLE playoff and won his second event of the 2018-2019 season. The drones were necessary because the camera crews walked off due to a union dispute, and commentary for the day was provided from Orlando. Nothing like trying to follow a golf ball via a camera that is peeking through palm trees.
Storylines
The Whole Gang is Here – The Sony marks the first full-field event of 2019, and most players will be making their first starts since October. Sungjae Im and Cameron Champ headline the rookies and will each be making their tournament debuts.
Kapalua Required? – While this will be a full-field event, 14 of the last 20 winners of this event played in the tournament of champions the week prior.
Locals – So many local Hawaiians have won the hearts of fans everywhere after playing in this event. Tadd Fujikawa is probably the most famous of them, but we will have some new faces this week. Jared Sawada is one of them, qualifying in a very bizarre manner. He made a triple bogey on the 17th hole of his Monday qualifier but was still able to make it through in a playoff.
Wai’alae CC – The host course for the week is Wai’alae Country Club, a Seth Raynor design that has had some facelifts by Tom Doak over the last few years. WCC is pretty short by today’s standards and will undoubtedly yield some low scores. It is a beautiful layout and has real strategic value for everyday members.
Paulie’s Picks
The Tour heads to the Seth Raynor designed, Waialae C.C., here’s who Paulie likes.
Paddy Heads to Wisconsin
The European Tour announced on Tuesday that Padraig Harrington will officially be the 2020 Ryder Cup captain at Whistling Straits. Harrington has been a part of 9 European teams over his career: 6 Ryder Cups and 3 Walker Cups. The three-time major champion is a player favorite and will be a great member of that teamroom. Coming off a dominant performance at Le Golf National, you have to think that Padraig will be a fun presence to have as Europe attempts to defend its title. Full Story
Shotgun Start: Andy’s ace and a reply to his pants haters, Captain Paddy, and Rob Allenby Open picks
The typical Wednesday format is cast aside as a fired up Andy joins while on his way to night of merriment after making a hole-in-one. We discuss thecircumstances around his ace and his questionable pants in the tweeted video of the shot that had the haters responding in full force. Then we set aside thepersonal tales and get back to pro golf, covering the news of Shotgun Start favorite Shugo Imahira’s special exemption into the 2019 Masters. We review the expected announcement of Padraig Harrington taking the reins of theEuropean Ryder Cup team. We finish with a discussion of the Sony Open, hitting on the strengths of Waialae, Jordan Spieth expectations, and the Tour chickening out by putting Pat Reed a group ahead of Spieth and not with him. Listen on iTunes, Stitcher and Spotify
Quick Hooks
It looked like the PGA Tour was heading to Lake Merced for a tournament hosted by Steph Curry, but the potential sponsor has backed out. Full Story
Japan’s Shugo Imahara has accepted an invite to the Masters. The 26-year-old is currently #1 on the Japan money list and is ranked #53 in the world. Full Story
If you haven’t read up on Jose de Jesus Rodriguez, check out Alan Shipnuck’s piece.
Andy rolled up his pants and made a hole-in-one on Wednesday. Check out his athleticism and victory dance HERE
