Sony Open Preview: Thomas Looks to Capitalize in Hawaii

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Updated on January 9, 2019 10:28AM EST

The PGA Tour stays in Hawaii this week for the first full-field event of the year at the Sony Open. Waialae Country Club is one again the sight of the the Sony Open, which means there's plenty of course history in play this week. As was the case last week, it's tough to gauge the state of anyone's game as most players in the field haven't played competitively for at least a few weeks.

This week: Sony Open - Waialae Country Club - Honolulu

Last Year: Patton Kizzire shot a final-round 68 on his way to a playoff victory over James Hahn.

FAVORITES

Justin Thomas (6-1)

The field is fairly deep this week, but there aren't a lot of elite golfers, which obviously gives Thomas an advantage. Thomas won this event in 2017 and has finished in the top-15 in three of his four starts here. He's also coming off a solid showing last week at the Tournament of Champions. There isn't much value at 6-1, but Thomas should give himself a chance to win Sunday.

Bryson DeChambeau (10-1)

DeChambeau is on the cusp of joining the elite golfers on the PGA Tour. To do so, he'll have to prove that last season wasn't a fluke. He's off to a good start as he posted a top-10 last week at the TOC and enters this week as the clear second choice. This should be a good test for DeChambeau as he finished T49 in his only previous start here. Without

Justin Thomas (6-1)

The field is fairly deep this week, but there aren't a lot of elite golfers, which obviously gives Thomas an advantage. Thomas won this event in 2017 and has finished in the top-15 in three of his four starts here. He's also coming off a solid showing last week at the Tournament of Champions. There isn't much value at 6-1, but Thomas should give himself a chance to win Sunday.

Bryson DeChambeau (10-1)

DeChambeau is on the cusp of joining the elite golfers on the PGA Tour. To do so, he'll have to prove that last season wasn't a fluke. He's off to a good start as he posted a top-10 last week at the TOC and enters this week as the clear second choice. This should be a good test for DeChambeau as he finished T49 in his only previous start here. Without any positive history on this course, DeChambeau might be over-valued this week.

Jordan Spieth (14-1)

Spieth is grouped with a few guys at 14-1 this week, but he's the only one there because of his name. Spieth hopes to bounce back this season, and while he's played well at this event before (solo third in 2017), he still hasn't shown his best form for quite a while. Spieth likely will get back to his old form at some point, but it would be wise to see it first before pulling the trigger.

MID-TIER GOLFERS

Marc Leishman (16-1)

Leishman is one of a handful of golfers who have recent history on their side. Prior to a top-5 last week at the TOC, Leishman posted solid finishes abroad. Leishman is a 9-for-9 in cuts made at this event, and while he doesn't have many high-end finishes, he does have five top-20s in those nine starts. Leishman has a rep for getting hot for stretches and looks to be in the midst of one now.

Cameron Champ (28-1)

Just how good is this kid? We'll find out this season, but all indications point to a high ceiling. Champ took the PGA Tour by storm this fall, winning for the first time and earning his first of what should be many entries into the Tournament of Champions. Although he didn't contend last week, he managed a T11, which isn't terrible considering the field consisted of winners from the previous season.

Kevin Kisner (33-1)

Kisner didn't win last season, but he came close a couple times. Kisner doesn't have the skill set of elite golfers on the PGA Tour, but he's a grinder who's not afraid to battle anyone. His track record at the Sony is solid, with two top-5s in his last three starts.

LONGSHOTS

Zach Johnson (40-1)

Johnson is coming off a bad season by his standards, but he should have enough in the tank for another strong season or two. This week should be a good indicator for the season, as he usually plays well at the Sony. Johnson won this event in 2009 and finished in the top-15 in four of his last five starts here.

Patton Kizzire (45-1)

Kizzire picked up two wins early in the season last year, but after his second win, his game all but disappeared. It's understandable that he might let up a bit after that second win, but it's time to get back to business now. Kizzire is off to a decent start this season and a return to Waialae could be what he needs to find his best form again.

ONE AND DONE GOLFER

Optimal pick: Marc Leishman - A couple guys are projected to do better this week, but unlike last week, we have a full field, therefore, say Justin Thomas' odds are as good. There will be better spots to use Thomas, but I'm not sure I can say the same about Leishman.

Buyer beware: Bryson DeChambeau - DeChambeau has been a machine since the middle of last season, but he has only one start at this event and he didn't fare. It probably won't matter, he'll probably play well this week, but I don't think this is the best spot to use him.

Last week: Patrick Reed (25) - $74,000; Season - $1,635,295

This week: Marc Leishman - Leishman was a popular pick last week and while the top-5 was a good haul, I think he can do better this week. Leishman is the only high-end golfer I would recommend in this format this week. Otherwise, you might as well give Zach Johnson or Patton Kizzire a try.

FANDUEL PICKS

High/Mid/Low: Justin Thomas ($12,300)/Marc Leishman ($10,900)/Hudson Swafford ($8,200)

SURVIVOR PICK

Last week: not cut; Streak - 0

This week: Marc Leishman - No need to be doing the mess around this week. Anyone? Ray Charles? OK. Leishman could come in handy later on, but if you are looking at the entire season, remember, you won't need as many guys in this format because of all the no-cut events. Leishman is 9-for-9 at this event and enters in good form.