Handicap Update

The official GHIN Handicaps for the Chase for the Haole Cup 2026 are in! Here is the latest on the first half of the Haole field, the state of their game, and updated Kalshi.

D. Champ Connolly

GHIN 9.3

Champ, looking to become the first ever back-to-back champion, seems a bit distracted. Word out of Boynton Beach is that Champ is more concerned about making cash and reeling in the odd sloppy tuna than working on his short game. We know he's got the game, but does he have the focus?

Opening Round Lead: 3-1

CHoY: 9-5

N. 2ShortBrowncloud (2SBC) Connolly

GHIN 8.1

Looking to return to the pinnacle after a disappointing showing in Quivira in 2026, 2SBC is determined to re-claim the title of Chamion Haole of the Year. And, last few times out, 2SBC looks to have added about 15 yards of muscle off the tee, and he remains the wizard of the wedges, which if Big Chief Haole is selecting the tees, has to give him an advantage over Champ and Security by the time the Teeth of the Dog starts growling in Saturday's final round.

Opening Round Lead: 3-2

CHoY: 3-1

M. Security Malcom

GHIN 1.9

Is this the year, the once thunderous bat of the East Lyme Vikings steps up to the plate and delivers in the Haole Cup? Will the Thumper from Boca be able to keep his Haole balls on the short grass? Well, after watching him snipe 5 or 6 drives OB last week..., this pundit thinks Security is going to be doing just that - being Security for the eventual CHoY while flying back to Boca - or Bradley..., dreaming of next year.

Opening Round Lead: 3-1

CHoY: 9-1

C Needler Delehanty

GHIN 15.5

Needler is coming ready to play - and 15.5 shots a round won't hurt either. His back was fused last year, his body is in shape, and he has been splitting his prep time between the Jersey CC circuit and the mats at Montauk Downs. Add in the fact that he just cashed out his PT side-gig, there are a lot of signs that this could be the year for Needler to stick it to the rest of the Haole's.

Not so fast, my friends. Too many times we have witnessed Needler handing cash to Big Chief, Guillermo, even once or twice to Bonk at the 19th hole - not because he wasn't the better player on the day..., just that the short game didn't hold up under pressure. Maybe next year, Needler. A full winter isolated on Seaside Ave with Dina trying to get you back to work, and maybe the Seaside Ave Peace Pipe will calm those nerves in 2027. Happy retirement! (And, BTW, please bring the needles. A couple of us really need them.)

Opening Round Lead: 8-1

CHoY: 20-1

Stay tuned - tomorrow we will assess the rest of the field led by TJ Big Chief, GB Pishadeel Grande, aka Sparky, Guillermo and Bonk. Buckle up, boys..., the Opening Shot of the 2026 Haole Cup is just 183 hours away...