The Sony Open at Waialae Country Club has a whole different vibe from what we saw at The Sentry. While last week’s event had a select group of top players, this one opens up to a full field with 144 players teeing off on Thursday. It’s the first full field of the PGA Tour season, and that’s a big deal.

After Friday’s play, Zach Johnson has a chance to win for the first time in 10 years. His last victory was the 2015 Open Championship. Although the tournament is only halfway, it is to know that they all fighting for a pretty sweet $8.7 million purse. The winner takes home a $1.566 million prize money payout.

Here is the  prize money breakdown

Beyond the cash, the winner will also get 500 FedEx Co points. The Sony Open kicks off the Aon Swing 5, where the top five FedEx Cup point earners from these next few events will score an automatic spot in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. The leaderboard is already buzzing with excitement. So let’s see how can potentially win the tournament.

Who can take home the trophy?

Patrick Fishburn and Denny McCarthy are tied at the top, both sitting at 5-under after solid rounds of 65 and 66, respectively. These two are making it clear they’re here to win, and after winless 2024 seasons, they look ready to turn things around.

Fishburn had a pretty consistent 2024, with highlights like a tie for 6th at the 3M Open and a 3rd-place finish at the Barracuda Championship. Meanwhile, McCarthy, made his mark last year too, including a 6th-place finish at the Wells Fargo Championship. Both have been so close to tasting victory, but could this be the week they finally break through?

Of course, it’s still early, and the rest of the field isn’t going to make it easy. Kensei Hirata, Eric Cole, and Paul Peterson are all tied for 3rd, just a stroke behind the leaders. These guys may not be household names yet, but their strong starts are proof they’re ready to challenge for the title.

Interestingly, last week’s winner, Hideki Matsuyama, is currently sitting at T42. It seems like this week is all about the new faces stealing the show.

With two more rounds to go, it’s still anyone’s game. Sure, Fishburn and McCarthy are leading now, but golf is unpredictable, and there’s plenty of time for some leaderboard drama. Who do you think will take home the trophy? Let us know in the comments!