PGA DFS: Sony Open in Hawaii 2024

The first full-field event of the 2024 PGA Tour season is upon us as things get underway at the Sony Open in Hawaii. Hosted at the prestigious Waialae Country Club in Honolulu, Hawaii, this event promises a unique challenge for both golfers and PGA DFS players. Let’s crack open this modern-day version of Hawaii Open with our course preview and picks!

PGA DFS: The Sentry 2024

Course Breakdown

• Waialae Country Club
• Honolulu, Hawaii
• Par 70
• 7,044 Yards

The Sony Open unfolds with a distinct character, featuring Bermuda fairways that are notably narrower than our previous Hawaiian venue, Kapalua Resort. This sets the stage for a second-shot-centric course, emphasizing the need for players with well-rounded approach games from various distances. While missing fairways incurs no direct penalty, it positions players unfavorably for the second shot into smaller-than-average greens, making accuracy crucial.

The Bermuda greens, with their smaller complexes, introduce an additional challenge, likely resulting in more players missing on approach shots. The weather forecast predicts gusty conditions, with a possibility of a couple of days experiencing winds in excess of 20mph. However, the course’s strategic design offers some protection in certain spots, potentially minimizing the havoc the wind creates.

As we anticipate a competitive tournament, the projected winning score is estimated to be around -21, with a cut score of -3. Reflecting on past champions and trends reveals Si Woo Kim securing victory in 2023 with a score of -18, Hideki Matsuyama dominating in 2022 with -23,and Kevin Na claiming the title in 2021 with a score of -21. In 2020, Cameron Smith emerged victorious with a score of -11.

Stats to Build Around:

• Shots Gained Approach (SGA)
• Approach Shots from 100-125 and 200+
• Fairways in Regulation/Greens in Regulation (FIR/GIR)
• Shots Gained Putting on Bermuda greens
• Birdie-or-Better Rate (BOB)
• Bogey Avoidance
• Shots Gained on Par 4s (SG Par 4)

PGA DFS Strategy

With a focus on mid-tier values, the strategy for The Sony Open leans towards optimizing short, accurate players with a more balanced approach. Notably, the strength of the field takes a significant hit compared to the previous week, urging caution against excessive “dumpster diving” for value picks.

Sony Open in Hawaii 2024 PGA DFS Plays

(Prices courtesy of DraftKings)

High-Tier Plays ($9,000 & Above)

• Eric Cole ($9,700)
• Russell Henley ($9,600)
• Brian Harman ($9,900)
• JT Poston ($9,100)

High-Tier Fades ($9,000 & Above)

• Ludvig Aberg ($10,500)
• Tyrell Hatton ($10,300)
• Chris Kirk ($9,500)

Mid-Tier Plays ($7,600-$8,900)

• Stephan Jaeger ($8,100)
• Adam Hadwin ($8,000)
• Lucas Glover ($7,700)
• J.J. Spaun ($7,600)
• Luke List ($7,600)

Mid-Tier Fades ($7,600-$8,900)

• Byeong-Hun An ($8,700)
• Will Zalatoris ($9,300)
• Akshay Bhatia ($7,800)

Low-Tier Plays ($7,500 & Below)

• Ryo Hisatsune ($7,100)
• Mark Hubbard ($7,000)
• Ben Kohles ($7,000)
• Ryan Moore ($6,700)

Low-Tier Fades ($7,500 & Below)

• Keith Mitchell ($7,500)
• Kurt Kitayama ($7,300)
• Emiliano Grillo ($7,400)

Check out all of our content for the Sony Open in Hawaii 2024:

• Between Bets: Sony Open in Hawaii 2024 Outrights
• PropKings: Sony Open in Hawaii 2024
• PGA DFS: Sony Open in Hawaii 2024

Good luck this week! Thanks for checking out my PGA DFS picks for the Sony Open in Hawaii, and be sure to check us out live every Tuesday night at 8:30 p.m. EST on the 19th Hole Live! 

*Photo Credit: Kyle Terada – USA TODAY Sports*