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2021 Sony Open: Top 10 power rankings at Waialae

By Mike Randleman

Jan 14, 2018; Honolulu, HI, USA; A general view of the 17th green with the palm trees forming a W for Waialae Country Club as seen during the final round of the Sony Open golf tournament at Waialae Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2018; Honolulu, HI, USA; A general view of the 17th green with the palm trees forming a W for Waialae Country Club as seen during the final round of the Sony Open golf tournament at Waialae Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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January 12, 2020; Honolulu, Hawaii, USA; Webb Simpson (right) and caddie Paul Tesori (left) on the 18th hole during the final round of the Sony Open in Hawaii golf tournament at Waialae Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 12, 2020; Honolulu, Hawaii, USA; Webb Simpson (right) and caddie Paul Tesori (left) on the 18th hole during the final round of the Sony Open in Hawaii golf tournament at Waialae Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

I’m guessing Webb Simpson’s expectations for last week’s Tournament of Champions were rightfully pretty low. He contracted COVID-19 late in December and had to quarantine until Jan. 5 at home in Charlotte. He experienced symptoms and could hardly swing a club while recovering.

He still honored his commitment to the tournament, arriving to Kapalua the day before the event. Without a practice round, Simpson opened in 3-under 70 and was in contention after following with 70.

Simpson didn’t have the firepower to contend on the weekend, but 69-70 to close out for T-17th is still impressive given the circumstances.

“My energy started coming back a few days ago, and thankfully it worked out, the timing of it, where I was able to play this week and so happy to be here,” Simpson was quoted Friday by Golfweek’s Steve DiMeglio.

He went on to mention how well his stamina held up traversing one of the longest, hilliest courses on the schedule. Simpson has never won the Tournament of Champions and it’s not the best fit for his game.

Sony Open and Waialae are better fits for a shorter player like him who’s as precise as any. Simpson is making his 11th tournament start and missed the event just twice since debuting in 2009.

The former Wake Forest Demon Deacon has made all 10 cuts and owns seven top-20s. Simpson surprisingly hasn’t won, but he’s knocking in the door with a T-4th (67-70-63-65) in 2018 and third (71-66-66-67) in 2020.

Here’s what Simpson had to say when asked last year what it is about Waialae that he likes.

“It’s not long. I think they’re doglegs, it’s not overly long, and bermuda greens,” Simpson was transcribed by ASAP Sports. “That’s usually a good combo for me. Yeah, I have good memories. It was my first tournament with my Tour card back in ’09.”

It would have been hard to imagine a few years ago, but Simpson is one of the game’s best putters. He was 13th last season in SG putting (.589) and rolled in some clutch ones to win the Phoenix Open and RBC Heritage, as well as six more top-10s.

Simpson ranked in the top 20 in driving accuracy (67.31%) and greens in regulation (70.83%). Those stats can be overrated given the bomb and gouge era we’re in, but they carry weight at a course like Waialae.

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