The 2025 Sony Open has faced significant setbacks even before hitting its stride, with high-profile player withdrawals, weather issues, and a reduced field creating challenges for the event. Here’s an overview of the situation:
Withdrawals Impacting the Field
The absence of stars like Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy had already lowered the event’s appeal. Adding to this, four players withdrew just before and during the tournament’s opening round:
Michael Thorbjornsen withdrew without a disclosed reason, replaced by Lanto Griffin.
The first round of the Sony Open in Hawaii was suspended due to darkness at 6:10 p.m. HT.
The first round will resume at 7:45 a.m., with second round to begin as scheduled.
— PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) January 10, 2025
Davis Riley and Christiaan Bezuidenhout withdrew earlier, opening spots for Trevor Cone and Danny Walker, respectively.
Jake Knapp withdrew due to a back injury after playing in The Sentry Tournament of Champions the previous week.
These withdrawals left the field at 143 players instead of the usual 144, compounding the tournament’s challenges.
Weather Woes
The first round at Waialae Country Club in Hawaii saw 65% cloud cover, eventually leading to a suspension of play due to darkness at 6:10 p.m. local time. Seven players had not yet teed off, and the first round is scheduled to resume Friday morning at 7:45 a.m.
Friday’s forecast suggests partial improvement:
Cloud cover: 51%
Chance of rain: 6%
If conditions stabilize, the tournament may recover, but visibility issues remain a concern.
Saturday and Sunday are expected to see much clearer skies, with reduced cloud cover and minimal rain chances.
Fan Reactions and Concerns
Many fans are questioning whether the Sony Open is losing its charm due to these disruptions. The absence of marquee players has undoubtedly reduced the excitement, while unpredictable weather is testing the resilience of players and organizers alike.
Can the Sony Open Recover?
Despite the initial hurdles, the Sony Open has the potential to recover if the remaining rounds proceed without further interruptions. Hawaii’s scenic beauty and the tenacity of the field could still deliver memorable moments for golf enthusiasts.
What’s your take?
Are weather and withdrawals ruining the Sony Open, or can it bounce back with a strong finish?
Is the absence of big names an inevitable consequence of the packed PGA Tour schedule?