Collin Morikawa lines up a putt on the first green during the third round of the Workday Championship golf tournament, Feb. 27, 2021, in Bradenton, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
The Sony Open is played at Waialae Country Club, located about 20 minutes east of Oahu’s downtown of Waikiki. The course had the 6th lowest scoring average on tour last year, at 68.73 strokes per round. It was the second-lowest scoring average on par 5’s last season, behind only East Lake for the Tour Championship. Waialae only has 2 par 5’s on the course, but they are both ranked inside the top 3 of birdies made on a par 5 since 2003. The 9th hole ranks first in terms of birdies made on a par 5, with 6,087 being made since 2003. The 18th hole is not far behind at 3rd on the list with 5,040 made since 2003. All in all, Waialae is relatively easy compared to some of the tour’s other venues. However, hitting fairways is imperative; the strokes gained tee-to-green stat is typically an indicator of who wins this tournament.
These stats I found on X via BetspertsGolf and are all based on past rounds at Waialae.
Hideki Matsuyama has an average of 1.56 strokes gained tee-to-green over 32 rounds.
Corey Conners has an average of 1.31 strokes gained tee-to-green over 26 rounds.
Jordan Spieth has an average of 1.43 strokes gained tee-to-green over 12 rounds and has missed the cut the last two times he has played in the Sony Open.
Collin Morikawa has averaged 1.52 strokes gained tee-to-green over 8 rounds and has not finished worse than 21st in his two Sony Open appearances.
Nick Taylor, the returning champion, has only averaged 0.45 strokes gained tee-to-green over his 2 completed rounds at Waialae, but has finished in the top 10 over the last 3 years at the Sony Open. Title defenses have not gone Taylor’s way, as his highest finish in a title defense was T-20 in the defense of his 2015 win at the Sanderson Farms Championship. Taylor is one of 4 players to have at least one win on tour over the last 3 years. Joining Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and fellow competitor this week, Keegan Bradley.
Also of note in his lone start at the Sony Open, Matthieu Pavon has posted 1.42 strokes gained tee-to-green to go along with a top-10 finish in 2024.
Hole Breakdown
Disclaimer: I’m not great at golf, but these are just some notes I made on the holes in terms of set-up as I walked the course over the last couple of days. Also, I started on the back-9, and my notes improved from there.
1- par 4 480 bunker on the right side, driving range on the left, the hole where Hiediki split the trees (figure out how to spell his name), bunker roughly 50 yards in front of the green, big bunker on the left, bunkers to the right of and behind the green, big bunker
2- par 4 423 water down most of the left side of the fairway, one bunker on the right, and one that guards the front right of the green couple of bunkers on the left, a bit of cushion between them and the green
3- par 4 422 water down the left side, and some spotty palm trees guard the right with water on the left and bunkers in front of and behind, most likely into the wind
4- par 3 204 fairly simple par 3 long 3-tiered green with 3 bunkers guarding each side, most likely with the wind
5- par 4 467 hole has 2 trenches as fairway defense that don’t seem to come into play bunkers on either side e of the green, and a palm tree growing out of the back left bunker
6- par 4 460 large bunker on the right side of the fairway, along with scattered palm trees, smaller bunker a little further down the left, big bunker on the front right of the green, most likely into the wind
7- par 3 176 three bunker guard the front of this hole, pretty large faces likely to have a helping wind, pot style bunker on the backside
8- par 4 454 likely into the wind collection of bunkers on the right side of the fairway bends left, but there is a large hanging tree on the left that will persuade players to hit towards the more open right side of the fairway. Longer bunker on the front right with another guarding the left front of the green
9- par 5 506 bunkers along the right side don’t seem like they will come into play. Based on distance long bunker on the left side can definitely come into play, driving range to the left, so the net could help a miss left. Two bunkers guard the front right and left of this wide green
10- par 4 tee shot should be safe from wind, approach opens up to the wind
11- par 3 into the ocean, wind is a big factor
12- par 4 bunkers down the left relatively unimpeding, playing away from the ocean wind still plays
13- par 4 477 most likely into the wind all week, headed back towards the ocean, big bunker on the right plays with it being a dogleg right
14- par 4 430 favors a draw. Dogleg left, large bunkers guard the front portion of the hole on the left and right
15- par 4 398 bends slightly left. Trees on the left-hand side should not impede once again, bunkers guard either side of the green
16- par 4 417 large bunkers line the turn, potentially limiting what players feel comfortable with off the tee in terms of distance. Another dog leg left, bunkers also guard this hole on both sides
17- par 3 green has a false front and bunkers guarding either side, big one on the left, 3 smaller on the right, one of the more undulating greens on the back 9
18- par 5 551 not sure how much they come into play based on distance, but bunkers guarding either side of the bend in this left-turning hole, green guarded by a bunker on the front left, fairly accessible
Speculation around the Tampa Bay Rays’ stadium search intensified after reports that the Hillsborough Community College Board will meet to discuss land matters. The meeting comes as the Rays explore more than 100 acres at the Dale Mabry campus for a new stadium and entertainment district. Local news outlets report that the site has emerged as a leading candidate for the team’s long‑term home. The Rays’ new ownership group wants a modern stadium and a mixed‑use district similar to The Battery in Atlanta. The Dale Mabry land offers rare size and central access in Tampa. The campus sits near major roads and existing sports venues. That combination makes the site extremely attractive for large development.
State Approval Required for Any HCC Relocation
HCC cannot sell the land without a detailed relocation plan. The college is part of the Florida College System and must follow strict state rules. Any relocation requires approval from the HCC Board of Trustees and the Florida Department of Education. The state may also require legislative involvement due to the campus size. Local reporting confirms that the board must identify a new campus location before any sale proceeds. The Dale Mabry campus includes classrooms, labs, parking areas, and student services. Those facilities cannot be removed without a replacement campus. The process would require a full transition plan to avoid disrupting academic programs. The state historically demands equal or improved facilities for relocated colleges.
Where Would HCC Relocate?
The state will want HCC to remain close to the current Dale Mabry location. The campus serves major programs that require stable access for thousands of students. A new HCC campus would need a central location that protects student access and program stability. The Westshore area offers the strongest combination of roads, transit, and workforce partnerships. The district sits close to the current Dale Mabry campus, which helps reduce disruption for students and faculty. Westshore also provides strong connections to major employers, which supports HCC’s technical and health programs. The area includes several older office parks that could be redeveloped into a modern academic center.
A site near Tampa International Airport could also work for HCC. The area east of the runways includes commercial parcels with redevelopment potential. These sites offer strong access to Veterans Expressway and State Road 60. They also sit close to major employment zones that support HCC’s workforce mission. Noise and height limits would require careful planning, but the area remains a realistic option.
The Columbus Drive and Lois Avenue corridor offers another possible location. This area sits between Westshore and downtown and includes land with redevelopment potential. The corridor provides strong transit access and lower land costs than core Westshore. It may require parcel assembly, but it remains a viable alternative for a new campus. The location keeps HCC close to its student base and major transportation routes.
Height Restrictions Add Another Layer of Complexity
The campus sits inside Tampa International Airport’s height‑restricted zone. Any new stadium or mixed‑use towers must comply with aviation rules. WTSP reports that the area includes strict height limits due to flight paths and safety corridors. Developers would need permits from the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority. Stadium designers must consider roof height, lighting structures, and surrounding buildings. These restrictions could shape the final design of the entertainment district. The Rays would need early coordination with airport officials to avoid delays.
A Battery‑Style District Could Transform the Area
A stadium village on Dale Mabry could reshape Tampa’s sports corridor. The site sits near Raymond James Stadium and Steinbrenner Field. Much of the needed infrastructure already exists around the area. Roads, parking, and utilities could reduce public costs for the project. A mixed‑use district could include hotels, restaurants, apartments, and retail. The Rays want a year‑round destination that generates revenue beyond baseball games. The location offers strong potential for a regional entertainment hub.
Silence From Officials Suggests the Site Is a Serious Contender
Local media note that no one from the Rays, the City of Tampa, or Hillsborough County is discussing the HCC meeting publicly. That silence has fueled speculation that the Dale Mabry campus is the leading stadium site. If the Rays secure the land, this could be the first major step in the stadium process. The location’s proximity to existing sports venues strengthens its appeal. The area could become a powerful sports and entertainment district with shared infrastructure. The lack of public comment suggests negotiations may already be underway. Many observers believe the HCC site is now the most likely home for the new Rays stadium.
NFL Playoff Divisional Round: Stakes Rise Even Higher
Two teams with the most playoff wins of all time will try to add to those totals.
One team who has never been to a Super Bowl will try to get a step closer. While another who has been four times, but never won, will try to get back with a totally different regime.
It’s Round 2 of the NFL playoffs and after an exciting wild-card round it might just get better.
Here’s a look at all four games.
Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos
Saturday, 4:30
This weekend’s first game could easily be its best game. Top seed Denver (14-3) is well rested and has won 12 of its last 13 games. The Broncos are also 9-1 at home in the Mile High atmosphere., while the Bills are 6-3 on the road this year. Buffalo (13-5) ended an eight-game road playoff losing streak last week when the Bills knocked off the Jaguars in Jacksonville. That’s the same Jaguars that handed the Broncos their only loss in the past three months. Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen and head coach Sean McDemott both have eight playoffs wins. That’s the most wins by any QB and head coach who have not won a Super Bowl. This is a rematch of a playoff game from last year in which the Bills won easily. That game, however, was played in Buffalo.
San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
Saturday, 8
These two met the final week of the season with the NFC West title and the NFC’s No. 1 seed on the line and the Seahawks came away with a 13-3 win. That was only Seattle’s second win over the 49ers in their last nine match-ups. This is the third postseason matchup between the two division rivals and they are even at 1-1. Seattle won the NFC Championship game in 2013, while San Francisco won a wild-card game in 2022. Seattle is 6-2 at home this season, while the 49ers are an impressive 8-2 on the road, including last week’s playoff win in Philadelphia. That win last week was the 49ers 40th playoff win, the most of any team in the league. Despite being accused of having an easy schedule, San Francisco played nine games against playoff teams and went 7-2. Head coach Kyle Shanahan is now 7-0 in first and second round playoff games.
Houston Texans at New England Patriots
Sunday, 3
Is there a more fun unit to watch than the Texans’ defense? New England’s offense, led by probable MVP Drake Maye, is going to be tested. The Patriots wild-card round win over the Chargers was the Pats first playoff win without Tom Brady at quarterback since 1997 when Drew Bledsoe led a win over the Dolphins. It was also the Patriots 38th career playoff win, second most of all time. New England holds a 9-4 advantage in the all-time series against the Texans, including two postseason wins. Houston, however, has won three of the past four meetings. This game also matches two of the best former players to become head coaches in New England’s Mike Vrable and Houston’s DeMeco Ryans.
Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears
Sunday, 6:30
This is the third time in five years the Rams have advanced past the first round in the playoffs and the first time since 1978-79 that they have done it in back-to-back years. Last week’s wild-card win for the Bears was their first postseason win since 2010. In that Bears win Colston Loveland became only the second rookie tight end to go over 100 receiving yards in a playoff game. Ironically, the only other one was Philadelphia’s Keith Jackson, who also did it at Chicago in the infamous 1988 Fog Bowl. This will only be the third postseason meeting between these two have been around forever. The Rams won a conference title game against the Bears in 1950. Chicago came back to beat the Rams in 1985 as it shuffled off to the Super Bowl.
Let ‘em Run is rolling out another way to stay connected with our followers and viewers by delivering more frequent horse racing insight during the week. This new approach is simple and focused. One race. One day. Lock it down. The idea is to cut through the noise, isolate a single betting opportunity, and break it down with clarity and purpose. We’ll be dropping these spot plays two to three times during the week, while still keeping our primary attention on the Late P5 every Saturday, wherever that trail takes myself and John Kostin.
For today’s edition, we head to Aqueduct and zero in on Race 6, a welcome sight for bettors at The Big A with a potential field of eight runners. That’s a solid group by recent Aqueduct standards and one that gives us both pace and value to work with. Let’s dig into the race on paper before you check out the attached clip.
Aqueduct Race 6
Race 6 goes at approximately 3:40 EST and is a one-turn mile on dirt for optional claimers at the OC50K/SAL40K level. On first glance, the pace scenario jumps off the page. There is plenty of early speed signed on, but one runner looks like he may control the race if allowed to dictate terms.
The speed of the speed appears to be the #4 Ridgewood Runner at 5-1. Jockey Chris Elliot sticks around for trainer Michelle Nevin, a barn that is quietly heating up at Aqueduct. Ridgewood Runner has posted four steady and purposeful workouts coming into this spot, signaling fitness and intent. Over the summer at Saratoga, he faced significantly tougher company and held his own, experience that should serve him well against this group. If he clears early and gets comfortable on the front end, he becomes very dangerous.
The plan is straightforward and disciplined. We’re backing our opinion without overcomplicating things.
Betting strategy $20 Win on #4 $2 Exacta 4/All = $14 Total investment = $34
As always, bet smart, cheer hard, and remember that fast horses equal serious fun.
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