Sony Open (Honolulu, Hawaii)

In_tuition

The Sony Open will be the first full-field event of the 2010 PGA Tour season. It will be held at the Waialae Country Club on the beautiful island of Oahu.

The course will play a little over 7050 yards.

144 players will tee-up on Thursday, some of those include:

Ernie Els Retief Goosen Dustin Johnson Marc Leishman
Tim Clark Charles Howell III Davis Love III Y.E. Yang
Vijay Singh Zach Johnson Steve Stricker K.J. Choi

Paul Goydos Rickie Foweler Tom Lehman Luke Donald
Jerry Kelly Billy Horschel Justin Leonard Lucas Glover
David Toms Woody Austin Bo Van Pelt John Huston

John Daly Stephen Ames Stewart Cink Chad Campbell
Sean O'Hair Angel Cabrera Boo Weekley Rory Sabbatini
Justin Rose Brad Faxon Robert Allenby Stuart Appleby

Players in blue are past winners here. Ernie Els was a back-to-back winner in 2003 & 2004.

This event started in 1965 and has been played as the Hawaiian Open till Sony took over in 1999.

23 players will play the event for the first time this week, they include recent Q-School graduates Rickie Fowler, Cameron Triangle & Billy Horschel.

Defending champion, Zach Johnson, hardly set Oahu alight in previous attempts before being crowned champion last year, his best record prior to that was T-32, he also failed to make the cut on his first competitive start on the course.

David Toms made his first appearance in the tournament in 1992, in his 8 starts here he has only failed to make the cut once (2nd start). He is a past winner (2006, -19), prior to that victory he has knocked on the door, T-4 (2002) & T-13 (2005).

Since Toms' success in the 2006 event, he tied 13th in his defence of the title and most recent he finished T-2 in last year's tournament.

Charles Howell III has played this event for the past 8 seasons, during that time he has recorded 4 top-10 finishes, his most recent being last year where he finished 4th (three shots behind the winner).

Shigeki Maruyama has played this event 11 years straight. He has 6 top 25 finishes to his name. His best recorded score though is only -10 (only good enough to win 2 Sony Open's since 1971).

Steve Stricker made his first start here in 1994, since then he's made 9 appearance, his best finish coming in 1996 where he came 3rd. In his last 3 attempts here he has finished T-24, T-4 & T-4.

Since it's inception as the Sony Open in 1991, John Huston has returned each year to play, in total he has played this event for 21 years straight.

Perhaps a player to keep a close eye on this week is Rory Sabbatini, he has played second fiddle here twice in (2008 & 2006). A decent finish of T-12 last time round combined with a decent effort in Maui this week he could be threatening the top of the leaderboard come Sunday.

Tom Lehman has 7 top 10 finishes out of 16 visits to the Sony Open.

Past winer Jerry Kelly (2002) has recorded some fine efforts in Oahu in recent years, his past 4 finishes read T-23, 3rd, T-13 & T-13. Another to keep a watchful eye on.

Davis Love III has 5 top ten finishes to his name around this course, but failed to make the cut here last term.

Sean O'Hair has made 4 starts here, his best finish coming last season, T-12, before that he only managed T-50, CUT, T-72.

Retief Goosen has not played this event since 2005, his best finish (of 3) came in 2004 where he T-10.

I will update the thread with more information plus my selections in the coming days.

Please feel free to add your thoughts and selections :cool:

In_tuition

TV coverage for this event will kick-off on Thursday night at midnight.

It will be covered once again by The Golf Channel.

Mister Sifter

In_tuition wrote: »

TV coverage for this event will kick-off on Thursday night at midnight.

It will be covered once again by The Golf Channel.

Thanks god for Sky Plus with these late kick off times.

What do you reckon to the chances of Ryan Moore to win in the coming weeks?

In_tuition

Mister Sifter wrote: »

Thanks god for Sky Plus with these late kick off times.

What do you reckon to the chances of Ryan Moore this week?

Been impressed with him this week and in the HSBC Champions event.

But it's his first time in the event, hard to predict.

He is playing as far as I am aware, unless he has pulled out.

Ignore this for a moment!

*Not playing, my wrong stats sheet pulled out.

Mister Sifter

I read something last week saying he was playing, but when i checked today he's not listed. I liked what i seen of him this weekend and was impressed at the end of last season. Not sure if he has a win in him but think he could grab a few high finishes.

ShriekingSheet

Mister Sifter wrote: »

I read something last week saying he was playing, but when i checked today he's not listed. I liked what i seen of him this weekend and was impressed at the end of last season. Not sure if he has a win in him but think he could grab a few high finishes.

What's his deal with having absolutely no sponsors? He could at least put a logo on his bag and give it to charity?

Mister Sifter

ShriekingSheet wrote: »

What's his deal with having absolutely no sponsors? He could at least put a logo on his bag and give it to charity?

I think he said he wanted to focus on the golf or something. Maybe InTuition or google will answer it but i think he has a sponsor now, but it's a company which he owns a fairly big stake in. I could be wrong though.

WaldenByThoreua

Mister Sifter wrote: »

I think he said he wanted to focus on the golf or something. Maybe InTuition or google will answer it but i think he has a sponsor now, but it's a company which he owns a fairly big stake in. I could be wrong though.

Hes sponsored by Scractch Golf...I think you could be right, he might have a stake in them. They just got Don White on board so their heading in the right direction. Irons are gorgeous looking.. Their baby blades are the best looking irons Ive ever seen...

ShriekingSheet

Mister Sifter wrote: »

I think he said he wanted to focus on the golf or something. Maybe InTuition or google will answer it but i think he has a sponsor now, but it's a company which he owns a fairly big stake in. I could be wrong though.

Yeah the only thing I've read is that the lack of sponsorship means he can play whatever clubs he likes (he uses some mad Adams driver and woods I think). But they're are plenty of deals on offer that don't come with a must-use clause. I don't know quite enough about it, but it just seems to be a bit of a fashion statement.

soundsham

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Ryan Moore signs deal with golf gear sponsor
GOLF: Puyallup player first PGA tourist signed by Tennessee company
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TODD MILLES; The News Tribune
Published: 11/06/09 12:05 am |

After a season without a sponsor, Puyallup’s Ryan Moore has signed a multi-year deal with little-known Scratch Golf to play with their irons and wedges.
The contract was finalized Thursday prior to Moore teeing off in the World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions tournament in Shanghai, China.
Not only will he become the first PGA Tour player to sign with Scratch Golf and use their irons, the 26-year-old from Cascade Christian and UNLV also became a part-owner in the company, which originated in Eugene, Ore., in 2003 and is now based in Chattanooga, Tenn.
Mike Moore, his father and president of Moore Sports Management, said the family flew to the company’s headquarters a month ago, and spent a day testing the product.
Ryan Moore put the clubs in his bag for the first time at the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children tournament in mid-October, and used them again a week later at the Frys.com Open. He posted back-to-back top-10 finishes.
“They’re passionate about high-quality traditional classic golf clubs that are custom-fit for the player,” Mike Moore said of Scratch Golf. “They’re for the serious golfer who knows what he wants.”
Ryan Moore had used Ping irons pretty much his entire life – and signed a multi-year deal with that company when he turned professional in 2005.
That contract expired prior to this season, and Moore had tested “nine to 10” sets of irons throughout the season, his father said. In fact, when he won at the Wyndham Championship in August, he used the set of irons he won every significant amateur event with in 2004, including the U.S. Amateur.
But he decided to go a different direction, with an up-and-coming firm. Moore will use the company’s SB-1 Muscleback irons.
Todd Milles: 253-597-8442
todd.milles@thenewstribune.com







Read more: http://www.thenewstribune.com/547/story/943963.html#ixzz0cJjkNrq0

In_tuition

Mister Sifter wrote: »

I think he said he wanted to focus on the golf or something. Maybe InTuition or google will answer it but i think he has a sponsor now, but it's a company which he owns a fairly big stake in. I could be wrong though.

I knew about about Scratch prior to the HSBC event but I wouldn't necessarily call it sponsorship.

You could never tell unless you read it in the news.

I don't know a whole lot about Ryan Moore to be honest, I don't think anyone does. He keeps himself to himself.

f22

Heard about scratch a while ago, their wedges are supposed to be pretty special.
http://scratchgolf.com/

Moore is a bit of a character, unorthodox in more ways than one, have to admire him for sticking to what suits him best instead of whoring himself to the highest bidder. Changing clubs for cash has hampered quite a few players over the years.

postalservice

Bubba Watson and Rickie Fowler for me.

I'd say odds for Fowler will be terrible though....with all the hype.

Boylesports and Paddypower have no odds up yet

f22

postalservice wrote: »

Bubba Watson and Rickie Fowler for me.

I'd say odds for Fowler will be terrible though....with all the hype.

Boylesports and Paddypower have no odds up yet

Fowler can be backed at 55.s with betfair, Watson at 110 (rather give the money to charity).

I'll take some of Sean 0'Hair at 22's

In_tuition

My early advice is to get on Marc Leishman at 100/1 with Ladbrokes. I've just had some of it some the price might not be available for much longer.

BillyBoy

In_tuition wrote: »

My early advice is to get on Marc Leishman at 100/1 with Ladbrokes. I've just had some of it some the price might not be available for much longer.

Just wondering why you recommend this guy In_tuition? Not doubting you but you usually give a good detailed analysis of your picks that I enjoy reading (and usually get convinced to throw a few euro on!!)

In_tuition

BillyBoy wrote: »

Just wondering why you recommend this guy In_tuition? Not doubting you but you usually give a good detailed analysis of your picks that I enjoy reading (and usually get convinced to throw a few euro on!!)

Yeah I always do mate. Just don't have the time at the moment to write it up my thoughts. He was on my short-list for when the prices came out, 100/1 is a fair price.

Mentioned on my weekly thread that I would give a detailed few a little later on :cool:

heavyballs

BillyBoy wrote: »

Just wondering why you recommend this guy In_tuition? Not doubting you but you usually give a good detailed analysis of your picks that I enjoy reading (and usually get convinced to throw a few euro on!!)

Rookie of the Year is terrific in the wind. Won on '08 Nationwide Tour in Texas in gusts from 20-35 mph. Started '09 with a T12 here. Thrived again in Texas at the Valero in May, finishing T5.

In_tuition

BillyBoy wrote: »

Just wondering why you recommend this guy In_tuition? Not doubting you but you usually give a good detailed analysis of your picks that I enjoy reading (and usually get convinced to throw a few euro on!!)

This was Leishman's first competitive event on the PGA Tour (2009). He finished T-12 and although he produced a great account of himself, perhaps nerves overcame him as his putting was weak(still made 15 birdies).

He recorded 8 top 25 finishes (3 top 10) for the remainder of his year, including a T-2 at the BMW Champhionship - 3rd leg of the Fed-Ex Cup play-off's), albeit 8 shots behind the winner Tiger Woods, but 5 shots clear of Sergio Garcia & Padraig Harrington and the rest of a top-class international field. He was T-10 in putts for this event and carded 17 birdies.This is only 4 months ago.

He didn't perform too well in his next 3 events but for a young man 28 events in your rookie year has to take it's toll.

Given his good start to his PGA career in this event last season, and those 8 top 25 finishes, I'm selecting him as my main bet this week. I don't doubt he has improve more over his off-season and hopefully he can get off to another flying this time round.

postalservice

f22 wrote: »

Fowler can be backed at 55.s with betfair, Watson at 110 (rather give the money to charity).

I'll take some of Sean 0'Hair at 22's

Ya....I'm kind of a go each way on someone with odds over 100/1 kinda person.

won a thousand for a 2 euro each way in an event last yr and 400 on a 2 euro one as well as a lot more.

Those odds for O'Hair seem very good though.

Still won't bet on it cause wont put enough money down to make any sort of return:P

ps Mickelson at 11/2 with boylesports for the Master is shockin this far in advance (even though he will win)

In_tuition

My second main selection this week in the above event is Luke Donald.

Winless on the PGA Tour since 2006, but recaptured his fine form last season following injury by carding 6 top 10 finishes on the PGA Tour including T-2 at Harbour Town in the Verizon Heritage (although 10 shots behind the winner) and T-5 at The Open. T-10 in the BMW Championship (Fed-Ex Cup play-off's) and a few weeks later securing a further 2 top 10 finishes on the European Tour.

He has played the Sony Open 6 out of the last 8 seasons. On his first attempt he T-13, he followed that up the following year with a missed but, but since then has carded 4 top 25 finishes, he best result being in 2007 where he T-2 on -13.

In this event last season he T-3 for putts per round and carded 19 birdies overall, 11 bogeys made sure he taking home the title. In 2007 in only made 6 bogeys (falling short of the winner by 1 single shot).

He finished 4th for putts per round, 3rd for putts between 10'-15', 3rd in approaches from 50-125 yards and 1st in sand saves (78 sand bunkers here) on the PGA Tour in 2009.

I think Donald's form and stats speak for themselves and I fully believe I've selected a little beauty in him this week and I think it's matter of time before we see him crowned a champion again.

Luke Donald 50/1 (boylesports) €25 win

As always, all the best to everyone else having a selection in this event :cool:

L.O.F.T

After comming up short but respectable last week with Moore(T6) and Cabrera(T10), this week im going to look at, and hopefully not come up short,
R Goosen: 25/1
S Cink: 35/1
B Gay: 40/1

In_tuition

In_tuition wrote: »

My early advice is to get on Marc Leishman at 100/1 with Ladbrokes. I've just had some of it some the price might not be available for much longer.

66/1 now with Ladbrokes, hope some of you nabbed the 100's.

Miley Byrne

In_tuition wrote: »

66/1 now with Ladbrokes, hope some of you nabbed the 100's.

He's still 80/1 in Paddy Powers

heavyballs

In_tuition wrote: »

My second main selection this week in the above event is Luke Donald.

great shout,i backed David Toms to go with him,

f22

Donald is a strange one for me, I like him I just don't like him enough to trust him with my well earned cash.

Having said that my golf betting chselections didn't exactly do me any favours in 2009.

pinkdoubleeagle

Anyone have a fancy for this tonight?. I am backing Sean O'Hair at 18-1. Played well last week and if he ever gets the putter going, he will win multiple events.

PhilipMarlowe

Post above merged into this thread.

pinkdoubleeagle

Licksy wrote: »

Post above merged into this thread.

Thanks

In_tuition

Leaderboard

For those without Sky Sports I will post a link tonight.

Daithio9

Or people could just go to justin.tv or myp2p.eu and watch live if they wish.

In_tuition

Daithio9 wrote: »

Or people could just go to justin.tv or myp2p.eu and watch live if they wish.

Ok sorry,

For those without Sky Sports this is, by far, the best place online to watch the Sony Open.

Mister Sifter

I've had a punt on Vijay for this week, each way. Also gone each way on Kuchar.

In_tuition

Posted the new PGA Tour leaderboard up on here a few months ago when they were going through the beta period.

I have to say it's excellent, especially when you can select what players you wish to follw on your 'my leaderboard'



For those wondering, Donald holed the putt