Chris Gotterup wins the Sony Open in Hawaii against a strong field, securing his third PGA Tour title.
Strong Final Round Secures Third PGA Tour Title
Chris Gotterup started 2026 with a victory at the PGA Tour’s Sony Open in Hawaii. With a final round of -6 (64) and a two-stroke lead, the American claimed his third win on the tour. Gotterup initially benefited from a collapse by 54-hole leader Davis Riley but was able to sink decisive birdies on the closing holes at Waialae Country Club.
Starting the final day two strokes behind in pursuit, Gotterup began the day with Riley ahead. While many players posted low rounds, Gotterup used strong drives and solid putting to apply early pressure, scoring four birdies on the front nine.
“I just felt I was in good shape this week and am happy to be here,” Gotterup said after his round. “I felt I had my thoughts under control, which is the most important thing. I hit good tee shots and made some important putts.”
Riley’s Collapse Opens the Door
Davis Riley defended his two-stroke lead confidently at first. With two birdies in the first five holes, he remained in front. But his round soon unraveled. Three long putts on holes six and seven led to bogeys, followed by a wild tee shot on hole eight that resulted in a double bogey. His comfortable lead turned into a deficit in just a few holes, and Riley could not recover. He finished the tournament at -11, tied for sixth place.
This development played into Gotterup’s hands. He sank long putts on holes 12 and 13 for further birdies to pull away. He sealed the win on par-3 hole 17, landing his tee shot perfectly between the flag and bunker and then making the birdie to finish with a total score of -16 and a two-stroke victory.
Chasers Fall Short in Final Stretch
Behind the winner, Ryan Gerard showed a strong finish. Birdies on the last two holes gave him a 65 and second place. Patrick Rodgers also had chances for his first PGA Tour victory. After four birdies on the front nine, he managed only one more birdie on the 18th, finishing with a 65 and third place.
Defending champion Nick Taylor couldn’t keep up on the final day. An even-par round dropped him out of the top ten, finishing tied for 13th at -9 overall.