The PGA Tour remains in Hawaii this week for the Sony Open at Walalae Country Club, Honolulu.
A much bigger field than at The Sentry last week will see 144 players competing for the $6.6m purse with $1.188m to the winner.
This event will see Cameron Smith return to defend the title he won after defeating the faultering Brendon Steele in a play-off here last year.
The weather is forecast to be clear, warm and sunny with light breezes until Sunday when the threat of thunderstorms is predicted.
This seaside par 70 parkland course has thin fairways and small greens so accuracy will be key. Previous course winners taking part include Ryan Palmer, Russell Henley, Jimmy Walker, Patton Kizzire, Matt Kuchar and Fabian Gomez.
Kevin Kisner
For my first selection this week I’m going to suggest Kevin Kisner 35/1 EW Betfair.
This shorter tighter track is ideal for the American and his game is well suited for this venue. Kisner has finished in the top 5 in three of the past five years at this tournament.
The 35/1 on offer seems very attractive and possibly slightly overpriced. Kisner definitely deserves respect on these seaside courses after winning the RSM Classic on a similar set up.
He also just missed out at the same named tournament narrowly losing out after a play-off last year. He is also a WGC Matchplay champion and finished 2nd in the 2018 Open Championship at Carnoustie where I actually followed him around for a day, witnessing some spectacular golf.
He warmed up here in Hawaii last week finishing T24th on -9 at The Sentry which will bring him here in confident mood and set him up perfectly on a course that suits him more, making him a leading contender come Sunday night.
Cameron Smith
For my next selection I’m going to pick out last years winner Cameron Smith 30/1 EW bet 365.
The defending champion could easily go on to retain his title. The Australian finished 2020 in superb form;
- 11th at the CJ Cup
- 4th at the Zozo Championship
- 2nd at The Masters only to be beaten by eventual run away winner, the on-fire Dustin Johnson
Smith is also more suited to this venue where accuracy will be the key attribute and he can certainly back that up winning here last year.
Like Kisner Smith also warmed up here in Hawaii last week with a consistent tournament which also seen him finish in a tie for 24th place on -9 . If the Aussie can combine impressive accuracy skills with his putter and continue from where he left off last year then he's another to respect and will be in contention to collect the cool $1.188m prize and successfuly defend his title.
Brendon Todd
For my next selection I’m going to look for a little more value and for that reason advise Brendon Todd at 44/1 EW betfair.
With only light breezes forecast for the first three days conditions should see a low scoring affair and suit someone with a strong putter so Todd is an ideal candidate to conquer these small greens.
The American has previously won on a seaside course at the Bermuda Championship and finished 8th in his final start in 2020 at the Mayakoba Classic.
He has an impressive record here at the Sony Open and he will definitely be suited to conditions and the shorter yardage.
He finished 13th here last week just across the water at The Sentry and if he can bring that form here this week then 44/1 represents some decent value .
Kevin Kisner v Russell Henley
For my final selection I’m going take my main selection Kevin Kisner to beat Russell Henley in a matchbet 10/11 Nap bet365.
