The 2026 PGA Tour season isn't just starting; it's practically exploding out of the gate at Waialae Country Club. Since The Sentry was canceled this year, the Sony Open in Hawaii is carrying the entire weight of the "Hawaii Swing" on its shoulders. If you're looking for how to watch Sony Open 2026, you've probably noticed that the landscape has shifted a bit. It’s not just a matter of flipping to a channel and hoping for the best anymore.
Honestly, the schedule is a little weird because of the time difference. Honolulu is way behind the East Coast. That means primetime golf is back, which is kinda great for anyone who wants to watch sports after work without spoiled scores.
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The Best Ways to Watch Sony Open 2026 on TV
If you’re a traditionalist who likes the big screen and a remote, Golf Channel is your primary home. They have the exclusive cable rights for all four rounds. Since we're dealing with Hawaii time, the live broadcast window is 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM ET every single night from Thursday, January 15, through Sunday, January 18.
Steve Sands is leading the play-by-play this year, and you’ll hear Brendon de Jonge in the analyst chair. A cool detail for 2026: "Happy Hour with Smylie" is back. Smylie Kaufman basically hangs out with players in a more relaxed, "mic'd up" setting on Friday night during the 8:00 PM window. It’s much less stuffy than your typical golf broadcast.
Streaming Options: ESPN+ is the Workhorse
For those of us who don't have a massive cable package, or just want to see more than the three-hour TV window, PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ is basically essential. They are doing massive 10-hour daily blocks.
- Thursday & Friday: Coverage starts at noon ET and runs until 10:00 PM.
- Saturday & Sunday: It kicks off just a bit later at 12:15 PM ET.
The value here isn't just the time; it's the "Featured Groups." You get to follow specific players like Jordan Spieth, Collin Morikawa, or the defending champ Nick Taylor through every single hole. If you’ve ever been annoyed that the TV broadcast cuts away from your favorite player to show a random putt on the 3rd hole, this is how you fix that. They are also focusing heavily on the 16th hole this year—that's the one with the famous "W" palm trees in the background. It's iconic.
Why This Year’s Field is a Bit Different
Because it's the only stop in Hawaii this time around, the field is a mix of superstars and "hungry" newcomers. You’ve got the heavy hitters like Hideki Matsuyama and Keegan Bradley (who's also the Ryder Cup captain now, keep that in mind).
But the real story might be the veterans. Vijay Singh is actually in the field. He’s 62! He used a career money list exemption to get in. It's a total throwback move. On the flip side, keep an eye on Ben Griffin. The betting models are obsessed with him this week. While Russell Henley is the favorite at +1100, the "smart money" seems to be leaning toward Griffin as a dark horse.
The Schedule at a Glance (All Times Eastern)
- Thursday, Jan 15: 12:00 PM (ESPN+), 7:00 PM (Golf Channel)
- Friday, Jan 16: 12:00 PM (ESPN+), 7:00 PM (Golf Channel)
- Saturday, Jan 17: 12:15 PM (ESPN+), 7:00 PM (Golf Channel)
- Sunday, Jan 18: 12:15 PM (ESPN+), 7:00 PM (Golf Channel)
Radio and "Free" Ways to Tune In
If you're stuck in the car or working, PGA Tour Radio on SiriusXM (Channel 92) is doing live coverage starting at 4:00 PM ET on weekdays and 5:00 PM on the weekend. You can also catch the audio for free on PGATour.com.
If you happen to actually be in Oahu, tickets are surprisingly reasonable compared to other major sports. It's $40 for a daily pass, and they actually give free admission to all U.S. military and their dependents. That’s a classy move that’s been a staple of the Sony Open for years.
Practical Advice for Watching
Don't wait until 7:00 PM to start looking for a stream. The leaderboard often takes shape during the afternoon hours when the trade winds at Waialae are at their peak.
The course is a Par 70, which is short by modern standards, so it's a "putting contest." This means you want to watch the morning groups on ESPN+ to see how the greens are rolling before the afternoon crust sets in. If you're a fan of high-stakes finishes, the 18th hole is a reachable Par 5. It almost always leads to a dramatic eagle attempt or a catastrophic water ball to end the tournament.
To get the most out of your weekend, make sure your ESPN+ app is updated on your smart TV or tablet by Thursday morning. If you're trying to watch on a budget, look for the "Disney Bundle" which usually includes ESPN+ at a discount. If you only care about the final round, many streaming services like Fubo or YouTube TV offer free trials that would cover the Sunday Golf Channel broadcast.