Sony Open
2025 is starting the same way my entire 2024 DFS season went. Everything right around the money-line. I’m not sure how I can be so consistently mediocre…I’m supposed to be the “expert” right? Well, that just goes to show how difficult PGA DFS is. Four rounds make for a nice sweat on the weekend if you get enough through, but even getting 6/6 or 5/6 is no guarantee of cashing. Get 6/6 and have two guys shit the bed on Sunday = no cash more times than you would think. Anyway, enough bitching! I knew what I was getting myself into.
So, we are moving on to another island but staying in Hawai’i. This will be the final event in the “Can I buy a Vowel?” part of the season – Kapalua & Waialae? Maui & Oahu? Get it? The one thing about this part of the season – other than the fact that many guys haven’t played in a while is the difference in the courses between these two events. This IS NOT your typical “resort course.” You’ll find it’s the opposite of last week.
Don’t expect Hideki to be 35 under par this week…or anyone else for that matter. However, we are back to the more traditional format where, frankly, despite my complaining above, you can have a better chance due to rostering cut-makers instead of as many high-dollar guys as you can.
Highlights: Waialae Golf Club
Par 70 – 7,000+ yards
Narrow Fairways
Smallish Greens
One thing I do focus on is the fact that, most of the time, the winner this week also played last week. Not necessarily the winner at Kapalua, just played. So, if you are between two guys and one played last week and one didn’t, go with the guy that played Kapalua.
NOTE: All pricing is based on DraftKings
** are my favorites in each category – could be pricing or the fact I think they play best.
$9,000 and Above
- Corey Conners ($10,200)** – I’m truly feeling a fade for both guys that are five figures, but if I’m going to play one, I’d rather go with the guy that has played three times in the last five weeks and finished Top 10 each week. Hideki is hot! So, play him if you wish. However, with a cut, you can’t normally dive as deep into the player pool to offset the salary.
- Ben An ($9,400)** – Wasn’t outstanding at Kapalua last week, but did play. He also lost in a 3-way playoff here last year.
- Keegan Bradley ($9,500) – Another participant in the playoff from 2024 and has played better than Ben An recently. However, and this is just an observation, Keegan has a “play well – miss the cut” pattern going on here in the last five years. And, you guessed it…T12-MC-T12-MC-T2 (last year)-????
- NOTES: I also like Maverick McNealy ($9,200) and Russell Henley ($9,900) based on their current form and course history, respectively.
$8,000 to $8,900
- Taylor Pendrith ($8,800)** – I simply expect him to stay hot after last week – which included an Albatross!
- Austin Eckroat ($8,700)** – I was originally excited to play him when he first came to the Tour. However, it took some time. Now, he’s playing as good or better than just about everyone.
- Brain Harman ($8,300) – He’s missed one cut here in 10 years. He also has the ability to be on the first page of the leaderboard if he can play better than last week.
- Harry Hall ($8,100) – Here is a guy that will likely fall under the radar simply because the casual player has no idea who he is. Last 4 events: T8-T14-T13-T9! And, yes, the T8 was at Kapalua last week. T42-T28 here in his two appearances but he’s playing so much better right now.
- Luke Clanton ($8,400) – Another unknown and not much experience on the Tour. However, I would consider taking a shot with him this week…and I did!
$7,000 to $7,900
- Harris English ($7,700)** – Cheaper here this year than last year! Like Brian Harman, he rarely misses a cut at Waialae! The course seems to fit his game!
- Thomas Detry ($7,500)** – No experience here but I’m on the TD Train this year. Solid player who had a T5 last week.
- Chris Kirk ($7,800) – Three Top 20s (two of which are Top 5s) in the last four years. An unimpressive T44 last week but, he played and he likes this course.
- Stephan Jaeger ($7,400)
- Nico Echavarria ($7,300) – I’m going for the less obvious plays this week.
Honestly, I’d feel good playing all five of the guys listed here in a lineup and using what was left to get myself one of the top tier guys.
Under $7,000
Very few of the guys in this tier played last week. As I said before, I’ll give deference to those that played last week over not – especially with this Tier. I like to try to give you guys that you can use if you need to save salary. I’m not necessarily saying “play them.”
- Patton Kizzire ($6,900)
- Chris Gotterup ($6,500)
- Taylor Montgomery ($6,400) – He didn’t play last week but has been T13 and T12 in his only appearances here.
- Taylor Dickson ($6,400) – Korn Ferry graduate! Finished the season strong and fields like this – with fewer of the “Big Dogs” – are a good place for these guys.
- Brian Campbell ($6,600) – See Taylor Dickson with a slightly stronger finish on the Korn Ferry.
Longshot(s)
- Joe Highsmith ($7,100)
- Rico Hoey ($7,000)
- Nick Taylor ($7,100)
- Yuta Sugiura ($6,200) – the Asian Tour guys that make the trip for the Aloha Swing usually show well…or at least some do. This would be a HUGE salary-saver if need be.
Ask questions on Discord if you have them. Make sure to tag me so I don’t miss it!
GOOD LUCK!!