Sony Open Round 1: M. Kim Sets Early Pace

The Sony Open in Hawaii has always been a birdie-fest, but the 2026 edition carries extra weight as the first full-field event of the new Ryder Cup cycle. While M. Kim leads the way after Round 1 with a solid -4, the real story for us lies deeper in the leaderboard.

The "Audition" Begins for 2027

Team captains often say the team is built 18 months out, not 1 month out. Waialae Country Club is providing the first data points for players on the bubble.

A. Smalley (-3): The Accurate American

Sitting just one back, Smalley is displaying the kind of laser precision required for Adare Manor. His stats—strokes gained approach—are currently elite. For Team USA, which often relies on power, finding a "fairway finder" like Smalley could be crucial for the tight European setup expected in 2027.

The Struggling Stars

Several Ryder Cup veterans struggled to break par in the windy afternoon wave. This early-season sluggishness is a concern. With the cancellation of The Sentry, these players lost their guaranteed warm-up. Their ability to recover in Round 2 will tell us a lot about their resilience—a primary trait for any Ryder Cup traveler.

Field Note

Keep an eye on the cut line. For young Americans looking to catch the captain's eye, making the weekend here is step one in a long two-year campaign to wear the Red, White, and Blue.