Nick Taylor Wins Sony Open in Playoff, Claims $1.566 Million Prize

HONOLULU, Hawaii — Nick Taylor clinched the Sony Open title Sunday after a thrilling playoff against Nico Echavarria at Waialae Country Club. Taylor secured the victory and a $1.566 million share of the $8.7 million purse, marking a triumphant start to the 2025 PGA Tour season.

The Canadian golfer’s win came after a tense final round, where he and Echavarria finished tied at 17-under par. Taylor sealed the deal on the first playoff hole, sinking a crucial birdie putt to claim his fourth PGA Tour victory. Echavarria took home $948,300 for his runner-up finish.

Stephan Jaeger and J.J. Spaun tied for third place, each earning $513,300. Jaeger, who won last year’s Texas Children's Houston Open, made a significant move up the leaderboard with a career-low 8-under 62 on Saturday. “I played pretty aggressively off the tee, a lot of drivers,” Jaeger said. “If I can get them in the fairways, I’ll have a lot of shorter shots in.”

Keegan Bradley, known for his distinctive mustache, also made a strong showing, finishing tied for sixth at 11-under par. Bradley, who narrowly made the cut, surged on Saturday with a bogey-free 5-under 30 on the front nine. “I’m excited about tomorrow,” Bradley said after his round, reflecting on his chance to redeem last year’s playoff loss at Waialae.

The tournament’s prize money distribution highlighted the lucrative nature of PGA Tour events. Eric Cole finished fifth, earning $356,700, while a group of six players, including Bradley and Patrick Fishburn, tied for sixth, each taking home $283,838. The top 10 also featured rising star Nick Dunlap and veteran Russell Henley, both earning $168,563.

Hideki Matsuyama, Webb Simpson, and Gary Woodland were among the notable names tied for 16th, each pocketing $132,675. The event showcased a mix of seasoned professionals and emerging talents, with players like Sam Stevens and Ryo Hisatsune also making their mark.

Taylor’s victory solidifies his status as one of the Tour’s most consistent performers, while Echavarria’s strong showing signals a promising season ahead. The Sony Open continues to be a highlight of the PGA Tour calendar, drawing top talent to Hawaii’s picturesque Waialae Country Club.