sony open nick taylor kevin roy waialaie.

Nick Taylor, of Canada, reacts on the 18tyh hole during the first round of the Sony Open golf event at the Waialae Country Club in Honolulu, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Defending champion Nick Taylor tied for Sony Open lead

Defending champion Nick Taylor has a share of the early lead at the Sony Open. Taylor won last year in a playoff at Waialae. The Canadian took advantage of only breezy conditions early. And he was helped by his play on the par 3s. Roy had a fast start with seven of his birdies on the first 11 holes. Ben Griffin and Chris Gotterup were among those one shot behind. This is first event of the PGA Tour season and the latest start because The Sentry on Maui was canceled because of water issues at the Kapalua course.

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