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 kicked off 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 secured his third career win on the tour. Gotterup initially benefited from a collapse by 54-hole leader Davis Riley but ultimately sealed the win with crucial birdies in the closing holes at Waialae Country Club.
Starting the final day two shots behind, Gotterup was in chase position with Riley ahead. While many players carded low rounds, Gotterup applied early pressure with strong tee shots and key putts, posting four birdies on the front nine.
“I just felt I was in good shape this week and I’m happy to be here,” Gotterup said after his round. “I felt like I had control over my thoughts, which was the most important. I hit good drives and sunk some important putts.”
Riley’s Collapse Opens the Door
Davis Riley initially defended his two-stroke lead confidently, making two birdies in the first five holes to stay ahead. However, his round soon faltered with three long putts missed on holes six and seven leading to bogeys, followed by a wild tee shot on eight resulting in a double bogey. A comfortable lead turned into a deficit within a few holes, and Riley couldn’t recover. He finished the tournament at -11, tied for sixth place.
This shift worked entirely in Gotterup’s favor. With long putts holed on holes 12 and 13, he gained further birdies and pulled decisively ahead. The final highlight came on the par-3 17th hole, where a perfectly placed tee shot between the flag and bunker was followed by a birdie that sealed his victory at a total of -16, two strokes clear.
Chasers Fall Short
Behind the winner, Ryan Gerard played a strong finish, with birdies on the last two holes propelling him to a 65 and sole second place. Patrick Rodgers also had chances for his first PGA Tour victory, making four birdies on the front nine but managing only one on 18 on the back nine, finishing third with a 65.
Defending champion Nick Taylor struggled on the final day, carding an even-par round to fall out of the top ten, finishing tied for 13th at -9 overall.