Sony Open 2008

In the years past I’ve always attended the Sony Open Pro-AM tournament in addition to the tournament’s weekend rounds, however my schedule this year hasn’t allowed me the opportunity to continue this tradition.

As many are aware, former Sony Open sponsor’s-exemption-holder Michelle Wie was not extended an invitation to compete in this year’s Open. Which works out perfectly as swing-coach David Leadbetter indicated Michelle would not be accepting invitations to complete in men’s tournaments through 2008.

2007 Sony Open top local headline, Tadd Fujikawa, missed the even-par cut-line on Friday by 2-strokes along with Punahou (see Michelle Wie) senior, Alex Ching. Former Hawaii resident Dean Wilson also missed the cut leaving local spectators to default to lone local golfer Parker McLachlin.

Parker put together two consecutive rounds in the 60’s, after an opening round 4-over 74, to put himself into the top-25 going into Sunday’s final round.

Former bodybuilder turned golfer, K.J. Choi, edged out a charging Rory Sabbatini in Sunday’s tradewind-gusting round by 3-strokes. Unfortunately the winds picked up as the final round made the turn, which would have made things interesting between the contrasting high-ball hitting Choi versus low-ball Sabbatini.

Jim Furyk, the highest ranked player in the field (4th) and Hawaii homeowner tied for 41st place while 2005 Sony Open Champion and former #1 ranked player, Vijay Singh finished a disappointing 45th.

Fellow Hawaii resident, Evelyn, attended the final round and wrote a small entry about her experience in her blog, Homespun Honolulu.