Wait. If you’re looking for a final trophy ceremony and a winner holding a giant check right this second, you might be a few days early. It’s Friday, January 16, 2026, and the PGA Tour is currently in the thick of the Sony Open in Hawaii. Since this is the season opener (a bit later than usual this year), there isn't a "winner" for the week yet, but the leaderboard is already a chaotic mess in the best way possible.
Honestly, the big story isn't just one name. It's the fact that we have a serious logjam at the top of the standings at Waialae Country Club.
The Sony Open Leaderboard: Who Won PGA Golf Today (So Far)?
Technically, nobody has "won" the tournament yet, but Nick Taylor and Kevin Roy are the guys everyone is chasing. They both tore up the course on Thursday with matching rounds of 8-under 62.
Taylor is the defending champion here, and he looks like he never left. He was pinpoint with his irons, specifically on the par 3s, which is usually where Waialae bites back. He birdied three of the four par 3s. That's just silly golf. Kevin Roy, on the other hand, went on a tear early, carding seven birdies in his first 11 holes.
Current Top Standings (Round 1 Scores)
- Nick Taylor: -8 (62)
- Kevin Roy: -8 (62)
- Ben Griffin: -7 (63)
- Chris Gotterup: -7 (63)
- Kim Seong-hyeon (S.H. Kim): -7 (63)
- John VanDerLaan: -7 (63)
It’s a crowded house at 7-under. S.H. Kim actually looked like he might snatch the solo lead late in the day, finishing his round with three straight birdies. He’s coming off a solid stint on the Korn Ferry Tour and seems intent on making a statement now that he’s back on the big stage.
Why the Leaderboard is So Low
The weather in Honolulu was, well, perfect. At least for the morning wave.
The wind—which usually acts as the primary defense for this short, flat course—stayed quiet until the afternoon. That gave Taylor and Roy a massive advantage. By the time the flags started whipping, the greens were a little crustier and the crosswinds made those tight fairways feel like balance beams.
Jordan Spieth is also lurking. He shot a 68, which sounds "meh" compared to a 62, but he did it while messing around with his bag setup. He actually swapped out a hybrid for a 3-iron at the last minute, a move he later admitted probably cost him two or three strokes. Classic Jordan.
The Strange Case of Adam Scott
You've got to feel for Adam Scott. He finished with a 67, but his round ended in the weirdest way possible on the 9th hole. His tee shot hit the safety netting for the driving range and got stuck in the mesh—literally inches away from being out of bounds. He had to go back to the tee, but he managed to scramble for a par that kept him in the mix.
What to Expect for the Rest of the Weekend
Since we are in the middle of the second round today (Friday), the "cut" is the main thing on everyone's mind. The projected cut is likely going to be around 2-under or 3-under par. If you aren't under par at Waialae, you're basically packing your bags.
This tournament is also the first chance for players to earn points for the Aon Swing 5. This is a relatively new system that allows players who perform well in these "Full Field" events to earn spots in the big-money Signature Events later in the season. For guys like Kevin Roy or John VanDerLaan, a win here isn't just about the $1.638 million winner's share; it’s about job security for the rest of 2026.
How to Follow the Finish
The winner will officially be crowned on Sunday, January 18. If you want to see who actually takes home the trophy, here is the roadmap:
- Friday/Saturday: Watch for the "moving day" shifts. Usually, someone from the 5-under group makes a massive Saturday run.
- Sunday Finish: Golf Channel and NBC will have the final round coverage.
- The Purse: The total prize pool is $9.1 million.
If you're tracking your favorite players, keep an eye on the wind speeds. If the breeze picks up to 20+ mph, the guys who are currently at 8-under might struggle to hold that lead against the grinders like Brian Harman or Keegan Bradley.
Next Steps for Golf Fans:
Check the live leaderboard on the PGA Tour app around 5:00 PM EST today. That’s when the afternoon wave in Hawaii starts making their turn, and we’ll see if Nick Taylor can maintain his grip on the lead or if a new name emerges at the top of the Sony Open standings.