The first golf double-header of 2024 features the return of Rory McIlroy in a new event, the Dubai Invitational on the DP World Tour, while the Sony Open in Hawaii marks the second leg of the PGA Tour's so-called Opening Drive.
McIlroy is the red-hot favorite to lift the title at Dubai Creek Golf Club, while Euro stars Ludvig Aberg, Matt Fitzpatrick and Tyrrell Hatton are among the main contenders in the field at Waialae Country Club this week. Eight of the last 10 winners of the Sony Open have played the Sentry the week before and the betting market for the 2024 edition is dominated by those who had the chance to shake off the rust at Kapalua last week.
Aberg makes his Waialae debut this week as do Fitzpatrick and Hatton. Russell Henley, champion in 2013, is the only course debutant to triumph at the venue since Gay Brewer won the inaugural Hawaiian Open in 1965. That's reason enough to swerve the 3 favorites.