Chris Gotterup wins the Sony Open in Hawaii against strong competition, 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 secured his third Tour win. Initially, Gotterup benefited from a collapse of the 54-hole leader Davis Riley but was able to secure decisive birdies, especially on the closing holes at Waialae Country Club.
Gotterup began the final day two strokes behind in the chasing position, initially trailing Davis Riley. While many players posted low rounds, Gotterup applied early pressure with strong drives and good putts, making four birdies on the front nine.
“I just felt I was in good form this week and I’m happy to be here,” Gotterup said after his round. “I felt like I kept my thoughts under control, which was the most important thing. I hit good drives 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 ahead. However, his round quickly fell apart with three long putts on holes six and seven leading to bogeys, followed by a wild tee shot on hole eight resulting in a double bogey. From a comfortable lead, he fell behind within a few holes and could not recover, finishing tied for sixth at -11.
This development worked in Gotterup’s favor. Making long putts on holes 12 and 13, he accumulated more birdies and pulled decisively ahead. The finishing touch came on the par-3 17th hole, where his tee shot landed perfectly between the flag and bunker, and he secured the win with a birdie and a total score of -16, two strokes ahead.
Chasers lack final punch
Behind the winner, Ryan Gerard showed a strong finish with birdies on the last two holes, carding a 65 and securing second place. Patrick Rodgers also had chances for his first PGA Tour victory. After four birdies on the front nine, he managed only one birdie on the back nine’s 18th hole and ended the tournament with a 65, finishing third.
Defending champion Nick Taylor could not keep up on the final day. An even-par round dropped him from the top ten to a tie for 13th place with a total of -9.