288: Chris Gotterup wins PGA TOUR season opener + reacting to Rory’s comments on Koepka’s return

Chris Gotterup opened the 2026 PGA Tour season with a statement win at the Sony Open in Hawaii, and Smylie Kaufman was on-site to call it all week on the Golf Channel.

Smylie and Charlie Hulme break down Gotterup’s dominant Sunday performance, his driving “superpowers,” and what parts of his game are taking him into an elite category on Tour.

Plus, thoughts on the future of PGA Tour events in Hawaii, Vijay Singh’s ageless performance, Jordan Spieth’s club tinkering, and quotes from Rory McIlroy on Brooks Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour and the future of LIV Golf.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 – Opening & Sony Open vibes in Hawaii
 01:00 – Is this the last PGA Tour stop in Hawaii?
 02:30 – Why players love starting the season at Sony
 03:40 – Chris Gotterup takes control on Sunday
 05:10 – Gotterup’s driving power & elite upside
 07:00 – Jupiter move, TGL reps & confidence boost
 09:00 – Shot shapes, fairways hit & closing mentality
 11:00 – Final group chaos: Davis Riley & Harry Hall
 13:30 – When the putter finally cools off
 16:30 – What Davis Riley still needs to unlock
 18:30 – Harry Hall’s week & breakout expectations
 21:00 – Ryan Gerard’s runner-up & Masters momentum
 23:30 – Vijay Singh’s made cut & career exemption
 26:00 – Jordan Spieth stories, tinkering & wrist update
 28:30 – Rory McIlroy on LIV, Brooks Koepka & the Tour
 33:00 – LIV’s future, finances & 54 vs 72 holes
 38:00 – Anthony Kim, promotions & alternative golf windows
 41:30 – Previewing the American Express field
 46:30 – Why top players love AmEx as a season opener
 49:00 – Scottie Scheffler odds & course fit debate
 52:00 – Final thoughts & wrap-up

#golf #pgatour #smylieshow #sonyopen