It’s time to dust off those golf clubs and get ready for an exciting season kick-off at the 2025 Sentry in Hawaii. This year, the event has taken a fresh turn by welcoming an expanded field of 60 top-tier golfers, including qualifiers from the FedExCup points list. However, the story has a twist – World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler won’t be gracing the greens due to a recent hand injury, sidelining him for the season’s start.
The coastal Plantation Course in Kapalua, Maui, offers a spectacular setting above the Pacific Ocean with its unique Par 73 design. Players can expect to engage in a non-stop, no-cut four-day battle on a course that’s been dubbed one of the friendliest for scoring on the PGA Tour. After all, its wide fairways and oversized Bermuda greens set the stage for aggressive play and impressive low scores.
While players aim for victory and fans anticipate thrilling performances, it’s hard to ignore the absence of someone like Scheffler, whose presence usually electrifies any tournament. Nevertheless, the course itself is a character in this play, sitting adjacent to the vast Pu’u Kukui Watershed Preserve. The dry spell before the tournament means meticulous care has been given to the fairways, promising optimal playing conditions.
Predictably, attention is also drawn to the weather, with forecasts promising warm temperatures and breezy winds, elements known to test even the most seasoned players. The past performance on this course suggests low scores will once again dominate, with the winning score often being well under par, as was the case with last year’s surprise winner, Chris Kirk.
Meanwhile, golf fans everywhere are marking their calendars for Thursday through Sunday to catch the action live via various streaming platforms. The Sentry doesn’t just offer nail-biting competition but also a substantial purse, with $3.6 million waiting for the champion. With a total of $20 million up for grabs, it’s no wonder that 31 former winners and 29 FedExCup qualifiers will be swinging hard for that first-place finish.
As the season unfolds, keep an eye on those players who might fly under the radar yet pack a punch, notably shown by Kirk’s upset last year. The odds game is ever unpredictable, with some betting favorites at the top, such as Xander Schauffele, who has seen past success at this venue.
For bettors, the tournament presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Odds provided by major sportsbooks highlight the favorites and underdogs alike. From Xander’s favorable chances to the long-shot odds of other competitors, there’s ample room for speculation and strategic wagering.
The PGA’s addition of a fantasy golf game this year is also worth noting, offering fans another layer of interaction with the sport. It’s a chance for enthusiasts to use their knowledge to predict outcomes and enjoy a new form of engagement, all while eyeing the season’s upcoming eight signature events.
As the 2025 Sentry opens the PGA Tour season, excitement fills the air with every swing and stroke. Whether you’re a bettor, a fan, or a die-hard golf enthusiast, this tournament sets the scene for a year full of memorable moments and thrilling competition. Here’s to a season that promises nothing short of spectacular.
Source: Forbes
