Sony Open Round 1 Recap: Strong Starts and Surprises

 The Sony Open is officially underway, and after a thrilling first round at Waialae Country Club, the leaderboard is shaping up to be as competitive as ever. With the league’s picks now making their mark, let’s dive into how the action unfolded and who’s poised for a weekend charge.

Notable Performances

Tom Hoge (OWGR: 61) was the standout pick of the day, firing an impressive 64 (-6) to tie for the early lead. Hoge’s precision and calm demeanor helped him navigate Waialae’s narrow fairways and fast greens, putting him in a prime position heading into Round 2.

Sharing the spotlight were Russell Henley (OWGR: 17) and Sepp Straka (OWGR: 38), both carding 66 (-4). Henley’s smooth iron play and Straka’s accuracy off the tee gave them the edge, setting up potential weekend contention.

Hideki Matsuyama (OWGR: 5), one of the highest-ranked players in the field, delivered a solid 67 (-3). Alongside him were JT Poston (OWGR: 35) and surprising underdog Nate Lashley (OWGR: 187), who matched Matsuyama’s score to keep themselves in striking distance.

Mid-Pack Contenders

A host of players finished at 68 (-2), including Tom Kim (OWGR: 23), Austin Eckroat (OWGR: 36), and Stephan Jaeger (OWGR: 52). While not stealing the spotlight, these steady starts leave them well-positioned to make a move in Round 2.

Meanwhile, Keegan Bradley (OWGR: 12), Maverick McNeely (OWGR: 28), and Taylor Pendrith (OWGR: 44) finished at 69 (-1). They’ll need sharper play on Friday to stay in the hunt.

Tough Starts

Some picks struggled to find their rhythm in Round 1. Billy Horschel (OWGR: 15), Chris Kirk (OWGR: 55), and Si Woo Kim (OWGR: 65) all posted 71 (+1), leaving them with work to do just to make the cut.

Ben An (OWGR: 25) and Corey Conners (OWGR: 33) fared similarly, carding 72 (+2). Both will need a low round on Friday to avoid a short week in Hawaii.

What to Watch for in Round 2

  • Tom Hoge: Can he maintain his momentum and extend his lead?
  • Russell Henley and Sepp Straka: Will their steady play translate into a Friday surge?
  • Hideki Matsuyama: Can the top-ranked league pick assert himself and move up the leaderboard?
  • Cut Watch: Players like Horschel, Conners, and An will need dramatic turnarounds to make the weekend.

Prediction for Round 2

Look for Russell Henley to make a strong push and take sole possession of the lead by the end of Friday. Henley’s game is well-suited for Waialae’s challenges, and his steady approach gives him an edge in maintaining momentum.

Meanwhile, Hideki Matsuyama is poised to climb higher on the leaderboard. With his elite ball-striking and course management, don’t be surprised if he posts one of the best scores of the day.

On the cut line, expect Billy Horschel to fight back with a resilient Round 2 and sneak into the weekend field.

The Sony Open is already delivering drama, and with Round 2 on deck, expect more surprises and leaderboard shuffles. Stay tuned as the action unfolds!

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