Sony Open on Oahu Kicks Off 2006 PGA Tour

Professional golf is theatre on the green. Oahu is fortunate to host the first full-field PGA event of the New Year attracting some the top names in the sport. Whether you’re a visitor or a kama‘aina spectator, at $10 per day — with two free days — the Sony Open in Hawaii is quite possibly it is the best local outdoor entertainment value — apart from Sunset on the Beach.

The Sony Open in Hawaii 2006, set to be played Jan. 9 through 15, is the launch of the PGA Tour Aloha Season and features more than 140 internationally-renowned golf professionals competing for the $918,000 champion’s prize of the overall $5.1 million purse. Played at the par-70, 7,060-yard Waialae Country Club golf course in Kahala, the 2006 event marks the 41st consecutive year of PGA TOUR play at the ocean-side golf venue marking one of the longest runs in tour history.

The Sony Open in Hawaii 2006 features a field of internationally famed members of the PGA TOUR. Event regulars include defending champion Vijay Singh, and other top ranked players like Ernie Els, Retief Goosen, and Stewart Cink.

The Official Sony Open in Hawaii Pro-Am is all day Wed., Jan. 11; Thurs. through Sun., Jan. 12 through 15, four rounds of professional tournament competition is televised live by ESPN.

Defending champion Vijay Singh of Fiji came into last year’s competition ranked number one in the world after winning nine tournaments and earning more than $10 million during the 2004 season. Singh shot a 5-under par 65 final round and a four-round total of 11 under par 269 to win the 2005 Sony Open in Hawaii.

Sixteen-year-old Oahu women’s golf phenom Michelle Wie created worldwide buzz at the tournament by playing in the competition on a sponsor’s exemption in both the 2004 and 2005 events. She is expected to participate again this year after turning professional only a few months ago.

Friends of Hawaii Charities has distributed more than $5 million in grants as charity host. Charity partner The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Inc. has matched tournament proceeds annually.

Admission is free Monday and Tuesday, and only $10 per person daily Wednesday through Sunday if purchased in advance at all First Hawaiian Bank Oahu locations. Tickets purchased at the gate are $15 per person daily. Season badges are $50 and good for admission throughout the week.

For more information, contact the Sony Open in Hawaii headquarters, 808-523-7888, visit www.sonyopeninhawaii.com.