Signs increasingly point to Sony shortly announcing an extension of its sponsorship of the Sony Open in Hawai'i golf tournament that will take it at least through 2011.

Sony executives are expected in Honolulu this week and the announcement could come as soon as this week but may take longer, according to people briefed on the plans.

Speculation has been that Sony, which has been the title sponsor of the event held at Waialae Country Club since 1999, may opt for a one-year extension in light of the current economic climate and uncertainty about the PGA Tour's future scheduling plans. The current contract expires after the 2010 event.

Sony spokesman Keita Sanekata declined comment pending notification from corporate headquarters.

"The PGA Tour has enjoyed its long-standing partnership with Sony," a tour spokesman said. "The tour has a policy of not commenting on title sponsor contract extensions or renewals."

The future of the Sony Open has been a topic of speculation and concern here since the 2009 event in January, when it went into its penultimate year without a renewal. There were widespread rumors as recently as September that a renewal was in trouble, but Sony has not commented.

PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem was recently in Asia and is reported to have met with Sony CEO Howard Stringer.

Early season golf tournaments shown during the Mainland and Asian winter are seen as a prime advertising vehicle for state tourism — and Hawai'i has been hurt by the loss of two LPGA tournaments in as many years.

Korean television giant SBS is taking over the PGA Tour's former Mercedes Championships on Maui in 2010 but there is no guarantee the event will remain here after next year as the tour looks at realignment.

Electronics giant Sony has reported losses for four consecutive quarters and in May reported its first annual loss in 14 years, $1.7 billion. The company, which has been hurt by the global recession, the growing power of the Japanese currency and lagging sales, has trimmed 16,000 jobs and closed eight factories as part of a restructuring effort.

Prior to Sony's sponsorship the event was known as the United Airlines Hawaiian Open (1992-98), United Hawaiian Open (1991) and Hawaiian Open (1965-90).

The tournament features many of the top golfers in the world. Its past winners include Vijay Singh, Ernie Els and Paul Azinger. (Tiger Woods has never played in the event.)

Michelle Wie and Tadd Fujikawa also have competed and created their share of buzz. Wie shot a 68 in 2004 — the lowest ever by a woman in a PGA Tour event — while Fujikawa contended after shooting a 62 in the third round this past January.