The thing about golf in January is that everyone is a little bit rusty, yet somehow, the scores always look like they’re playing a different sport than the rest of us. If you’re looking for a definitive "winner" of the PGA Tour today, Friday, January 16, 2026, here’s the reality: Nobody has won yet. We are currently in the thick of the Sony Open in Hawaii, the official 2026 season opener, and the second round is still unfolding at the iconic Waialae Country Club.
But "no winner yet" doesn't mean there isn't a story. Honestly, the leaderboard is already a mess of sub-par rounds and surprising surges.
As of the conclusion of the first round and the start of Friday’s play, we have a two-way tie at the top. Nick Taylor, the defending champion, and Kevin Roy both posted blistering 8-under 62s to set the pace. It’s kinda wild to see Taylor come back to the site of his 2025 playoff victory and immediately start throwing darts at the pins again. He’s clearly comfortable in the Honolulu breeze.
Who Won the PGA Tour Golf Today? The Current State of Play
Since it's Friday, we are essentially looking at the "Moving Day" setup. While the final trophy won't be hoisted until Sunday, January 18, the guys at the top of the Sony Open leaderboard are fighting to survive the cut and position themselves for the weekend.
Here is how the top of the board looked after the first 18 holes:
- Nick Taylor (-8): The Canadian is looking to become a rare back-to-back winner at Waialae.
- Kevin Roy (-8): Roy came out of the gates hot, recording seven birdies in his first 11 holes.
- Kim Seong-hyeon (-7): After a strong season on the Korn Ferry Tour, Kim is making a massive statement in his return to the big stage.
- Ben Griffin (-7): Fresh off a three-win season in 2025, Griffin is proving that his Ryder Cup debut wasn't a fluke.
If you’re wondering why the season is starting "late" this year, it’s because the traditional curtain-raiser, The Sentry, was scrapped for 2026 due to extreme drought conditions at Kapalua. That makes the Sony Open the high-stakes debut for the entire 2026 PGA Tour calendar.
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The Jordan Spieth Club Change Drama
You can't talk about a PGA Tour event without some Spieth-induced anxiety. Jordan shot a solid 68 in the opening round, but he spent most of his post-round interview talking about a club change that "cost him two and a half shots."
Basically, he swapped his hybrid for a 3-iron at the last minute. He admitted it was a mistake. Watching Spieth navigate the tight fairways of Waialae is always a rollercoaster, but being six shots back of Taylor and Roy means he has some serious work to do during today’s second round if he wants to stay in the conversation.
Why the Sony Open Leaderboard is So Crowded
Waialae isn't like the modern "bomber" courses we see later in the year. It’s a classic, flat, par-70 layout. You don't need to hit it 350 yards to win here; you need to be precise.
That’s why you see names like S.H. Kim and Chris Gotterup hanging around the top. Kim, specifically, finished his first round with three straight birdies. That kind of momentum heading into Friday is dangerous. Historically, the winner here usually needs to get to at least 16-under or 17-under, so the 8-under opening from Taylor and Roy is a massive head start.
Veterans and New Blood
It was also pretty cool to see 62-year-old Hall of Famer Vijay Singh out there. Using a one-time career money exemption, he actually shot a 68. He had two double bogeys—which usually kills a round—but he clawed back. It’s a testament to how much course knowledge matters at this venue.
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On the flip side, we have guys like Lee Seung-taek making their PGA Tour debuts. Lee actually started with back-to-back birdies before the nerves of the 13th and 16th holes caught up to him. He settled for a 68, which is more than respectable for a first-timer in the Hawaii heat.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Schedule
Once the Sony Open wraps up this weekend, the Tour heads to the California desert for The American Express (Jan 22-25). We already know Scottie Scheffler is skipping Hawaii to make his season debut there.
If you're keeping track of the "who won" question for the broader season, here is what is coming up:
- Sony Open in Hawaii (Ongoing – Ends Jan 18)
- The American Express (Starts Jan 22)
- Farmers Insurance Open (Starts Jan 29)
Last year, Tommy Fleetwood was the man everyone talked about after he finally broke through at the Tour Championship to win the FedEx Cup. But 2026 feels like it’s going to be a battle between the established guard and these hungry Korn Ferry graduates like Kevin Roy who are currently dominating the leaderboard today.
What You Should Watch for This Afternoon
As the afternoon wave finishes up their second round today, keep an eye on the cut line.
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Usually, the cut at Waialae falls around 2-under or 3-under par. If the wind stays down, it could go even lower. Big names like Collin Morikawa and Hideki Matsuyama (a former champ here) are under a lot of pressure to post a low number today just to make it to Saturday.
Pro Tip: If you're betting or playing DFS, look at "Strokes Gained: Putting." Waialae's greens are notoriously tricky Bermuda grass. The guy who "wins" today is the one who doesn't get frustrated by the grainy putts that look like they should break left but stay straight.
To get the most out of following the tournament this weekend, you should check the live scoring updates on the official PGA Tour app, as the "winner" of today's round won't be finalized until the sun goes down in Hawaii—which is quite late for those of us on the East Coast.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Monitor the Cut Line: Check the live leaderboard around 6:00 PM ET to see if your favorite players will survive for the weekend.
- Watch the Weather: Wind is the only defense Waialae has. If the flags start whipping, expect those 8-under scores to disappear quickly.
- Follow the Defending Champ: Nick Taylor is in rare form; if he shoots another 65 or better today, this might turn into a runaway.
Keep an eye on the late finishers from the Korea PGA and Korn Ferry pipelines. These guys are playing for their careers, not just a trophy, and that desperation often leads to some of the best golf you'll see all year. By the time the final putt drops on Sunday, we'll see if Taylor can hold off the charge or if a newcomer will take the first title of 2026.