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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 9, 2020; Honolulu, Hawaii, USA; Joaquin Niemann hits his third shot on the 10th hole during the first round of the Sony Open in Hawaii golf tournament at Waialae Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 9, 2020; Honolulu, Hawaii, USA; Joaquin Niemann hits his third shot on the 10th hole during the first round of the Sony Open in Hawaii golf tournament at Waialae Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Joaquin Niemann had to be disappointed he couldn’t pull out a win in a playoff last week at the Tournament of Champions. On the easy par-5 18th hole used for the playoff, Niemann hit a poor second shot and lost with a par.

That was a blip on an otherwise impeccable ball-striking week that resulted in finishing second in strokes gained approach (1.81) and second tee to green (2.31).

The young Chilean shouldn’t keep his head down for long. By age 22, Niemann already has a win (2019 Greenbrier) and a Presidents Cup (2019) appearance to his name. More of both appear in his future.

“You got to stay positive. I’m playing great,” Niemann was transcribed by ASAP Sports. “Yeah, if you asked me at the beginning of the day that I was going to be in a playoff, I would take it. But, yeah, it’s — it was a pretty good week.”

The former world No. 1 amateur notched his eighth top-30 in his last nine starts dating back to August. He finished T-3rd at the BMW Championship and sixth at the CJ Cup.

Niemann makes his second Sony Open appearance. His 2020 debut netted T-57th (71-70-71-69).

Niemann may have to dial it back off the tee this week because if he plays from the fairway he should be able to hit tons of greens (73.21%, 18th) and take the pressure off his short game.

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