Matsuyama and the International Vanguard Launch Season at Sony Open
With the cancellation of The Sentry, the Sony Open becomes the critical launchpad for International Team stars needing a fast start in the Presidents Cup points race.
Waialae Country Club has always been a friendly venue for international players, but in 2026, it carries extra weight. With The Sentry canceled, the Sony Open is effectively the "Opening Day" for the Presidents Cup points season.
Matsuyama's Home Game
Hideki Matsuyama, the 2022 champion here, headlines a field that is rich with International Team talent. Matsuyama is the anchor of the squad; his form early in the year dictates the team's confidence. At Waialae, where precision trumps power, he is always the man to beat.
The Points Race Reality
For players like Tom Kim, Sungjae Im, and Si Woo Kim, a slow start is not an option. The compressed schedule and the depth of the US Team (bolstered by returns like Koepka) mean that automatic qualifying spots will be fiercely contested. A win at Sony offers 500 FedExCup points—a massive early deposit toward a guaranteed spot at Medinah.
US Captain Playing
Adding spice to the week is the presence of Keegan Bradley, the US Ryder Cup Captain and a likely Vice-Captain under Snedeker. He’s in the field not just to compete, but to observe. Every international player paired with him will want to make a statement: "I'm coming for your team."
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