Every year, the Sony Open is a treat, and I mean always. The excitement, the drama, the incredible golf—it’s an event that never fails to deliver. The anticipation is palpable as we gear up for the 2025 edition, which kicks off on January 9 at the iconic Waialae Country Club. This year’s field is packed with 144 talented players, including past champions and promising rookies, all vying for a share of the $8.7 million purse and the coveted title.

The winner will take home a staggering $1,566,000, and with big names like Hideki Matsuyama, Keegan Bradley, and Maverick McNealy in the mix, we can expect some thrilling golf. With this year’s game starting today, let’s take a look at the top 5 most memorable moments in the tournament’s history. So, shall we?

Michelle Wie West’s impressive debut at the 2004 Sony Open

Remember when Michelle Wie West would periodically compete in PGA Tour events and often fight to make the cut? Those were exciting times, and it all started at the 2004 Sony Open, when the Hawaiian native nearly capitalized on her first sponsor’s exemption – as a 14-year-old, no less – by posting rounds of 72 and 68 over the first two days. A 140 total for a 14-year-old girl playing against PGA Tour pros was incredibly impressive, and it’s still hard to believe she missed the cut by just a single shot, with the cut coming in at 139. Even though she didn’t make it to the weekend, this moment deserves some recognition as a startling display of young talent from a future major champion, and it’s amazing to think about how far West would go on to achieve in her career.

Ernie Els’s thrilling duel at the 2003 Sony Open Playoff

The 2003 Sony Open was a real nail-biter with Ernie Els on fire and hungry for another win after his stunning 31-under performance at Kapalua. Aaron Baddeley was the young Aussie sensation standing in his way. He was making his PGA Tour debut and looking to make a big splash. Baddeley forced a playoff with a clutch 10-footer for birdie on the 72nd hole. In the playoff Els faced a daunting 43-foot putt from just off the green on the second hole. He showed why he was a force to be reckoned with by burying the long putt. Baddeley still had a chance to extend the playoff but his mid-range putt came up just short dying in the heart of the hole. It was an agonizing way to lose but what a duel it was.

Grayson Murray’s redemption at the 2024 Sony Open

The 2024 Sony Open in Hawaii marked a turning point in Grayson Murray’s career, as he proved he still had what it takes to compete at the highest level. Murray’s journey to this point was far from easy, having struggled with anxiety, depression, and addiction. However, after entering rehab and getting sober from alcoholism, Murray regained exempt status on the PGA Tour and set out to make a fresh start. He faced a daunting 40-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole, but he made it, forcing a playoff with Byeong Hun An and Keegan Bradley.

Murray eventually emerged victorious, claiming his first PGA Tour win in six years, five months, and 22 days. “I just thought I was a failure,” Murray said. “I kept telling Jay, (his caddie), we’re hitting good putts, we’re hitting them right where we want, and we’re going to have one drop today, and it’s going to be big… and it might be for the win.” 

Paul Azinger’s triumph at the 2000 Sony Open after battling cancer

Paul Azinger was absolutely on fire at the 2000 Sony Open in Hawaii, and it was like he was making Waialae Country Club his own personal playground. With a 5-under 65 on Friday, Azinger opened up a whopping five-stroke lead at the midway mark, leaving everyone else in the dust. And the craziest part? He wasn’t even feeling like he was playing that great, saying “I’m really surprised” by his round and 12-under total of 128. This performance was all the more impressive considering Azinger had courageously battled lymphoma in 1993, which he thankfully overcame. Azinger had some serious history on this course, having finished second twice and in the top 10 five times, and it was clear he was feeling right at home.

Justin Thomas makes history with 59 at the Sony Open

Justin Thomas’s victory at the 2017 SBS Tournament of Champions was still fresh in everyone’s minds when he pulled off an incredible feat at the 2017 Sony Open. He shot a course-record 11-under par 59 at Waialae Country Club’s history and became the youngest player to ever achieve that feat. This impressive performance was made even more special by the fact that he shared the round with his friends Jordan Spieth and Daniel Berger. Thomas started strong with an eagle at the 10th hole and ended with a 15-foot eagle putt at the ninth. His friends were over the moon with excitement when he sunk that final putt, and Thomas admitted it was a surreal moment. He cherished the experience of sharing this achievement with his buddies, who were genuinely thrilled for him. Who do you think will take home the trophy this year? Let us know in the comments section below!