Riley Holds Narrow Advantage Heading into Sony Open Finale
SYDNEY, 19 January 2026 – The 2026 PGA Tour season is poised for a thrilling conclusion at Waialae Country Club, where American Davis Riley will take a two-stroke lead into the final round of the Sony Open in Hawaii. Riley carded a third-round 67 to reach 12-under par, but faces intense pressure from a packed leaderboard with nine players within three shots of the lead.
A Tight Leaderboard Sets Stage for Sunday
Riley, seeking his second PGA Tour victory, navigated the windswept Honolulu layout to maintain his position at the top. However, his pursuers are within striking distance. Kevin Roy, Chris Gotterup, and Harry Hall are tied for second at 10-under par, ensuring a tense final-day battle for the $1.638 million winner’s share of the $9.1 million purse.
Defending champion Nick Taylor remains in contention, sitting in a tie for fifth at 9-under par. The Canadian, who won in a playoff last year, is aiming to become the first back-to-back winner of the event since Jimmy Walker in 2015.
2026 Sony Open in Hawaii – Leaderboard (Top 10 After Round 3)
| Position | Player | Total Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Davis Riley | -12 |
| T2 | Kevin Roy | -10 |
| T2 | Chris Gotterup | -10 |
| T2 | Harry Hall | -10 |
| T5 | Ryan Gerard | -9 |
| T5 | John Parry | -9 |
| T5 | Nick Taylor | -9 |
Notable Performances and the Cut Line
The tournament saw several big names fail to advance to the weekend. The cut fell at 1-under par, eliminating major champions and highly ranked players including Collin Morikawa, Keegan Bradley, Tony Finau, and former winner Si Woo Kim. In contrast, 62-year-old legend and 2005 champion Vijay Singh made the cut, adding a notable chapter to the event’s long history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is leading the 2026 Sony Open?
Davis Riley leads at 12-under par after three rounds at Waialae Country Club.
Who is the defending champion and where do they stand?
Nick Taylor, the 2025 champion, is currently tied for fifth place at 9-under par, three shots behind leader Davis Riley.
Which notable players missed the cut?
The cut line of 1-under par eliminated several prominent golfers, including Collin Morikawa, Keegan Bradley, Tony Finau, Si Woo Kim, and Adam Scott.
What is the historical significance of this event?
The Sony Open in Hawaii is one of the PGA Tour’s longest-running events, held at Waialae Country Club since 1965. It is the first full-field event of the 2026 season.