286: Sony Open Preview + The Future of Hawaii Golf | Mark Rolfing Interview

The PGA Tour season officially begins at the Sony Open, and Smylie Kaufman and Charlie Hulme break down everything you need to know about Waialae Country Club — from course architecture and strategy to which players are best positioned to start the year strong.

Later in the episode, Smylie sits down with longtime Hawaii golf voice Mark Rolfing for an important conversation on the future of professional golf in Hawaii, the water crisis at Kapalua, and why these tournaments matter so deeply to the islands.

From Sony Open contenders and course fit to Ryder Cup crowd behavior and LIV Golf movement, this episode covers far more than just a weekly preview.

Make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more, and check us out on Wednesdays at 9am ET on the Golf Channel!

00:00 – Welcome + Why the Sony Open Feels Like the True Season Opener
03:30 – Waialae Country Club: History, Seth Raynor & Classic Design
07:30 – How Waialae Plays: Wind, Bermuda, Angles & Decision-Making
12:00 – Sony Open Strategy: Where Scores Are Actually Made
17:00 – Player Fits, Storylines & Early-Season Momentum
22:00 – Ryder Cup Crowds, Fan Behavior & Where the Line Is
27:30 – LIV Golf Moves, Career Choices & Tour Fragmentation
34:00 – Big Picture: Where the PGA Tour Is Headed
38:30 – Setting the Stage for Hawaii Golf’s Bigger Conversation
40:00 – Mark Rolfing Joins: Why Hawaii Golf Is at a Crossroads
44:30 – Kapalua, Water Issues & Tournament Uncertainty
50:30 – Community Impact, Charity & What the Tour Overlooks
57:30 – Golf Architecture, History & Why These Courses Matter
01:04:30 – Wrapping Up with Mark Rolfing
01:06:30 – Back with Smylie & Charlie: New Year Goals & Mindsets
01:12:30 – Final Thoughts, Sony Open Week & Episode Wrap
01:16:00 – Outro